David Burt pledged to govern for the whole of Bermuda, even those who didn’t support the party in this General Election, during an impassioned victory speech.

Amid the celebrations that erupted on Court Street outside Alaska Hall as the Progressive Labour Party swept to power, the Premier took to the stage telling supporters "we stand together as one country“.

He said: “This victory tonight is not about one leader or one party, it's about all of us and the future that the people of Bermuda have made clear that they want to build together.

“Elections are a moment of decision, moments where we reflect on the past and chart the course for the years ahead and tonight, this Progressive Labour Party, with 25 seats — more than the landslide of 2017 — Bermudians have chosen progress, Bermudians have chosen fairness, and Bermudians have chosen a PLP Government that will deliver for you all the way.”

While the PLP did gain one more seat than 2017’s 24-12 result, it was a far cry from the 2020 victory that saw it secure 30 seats to the One Bermuda Alliance’s six.

Mr Burt said voters had chosen a government that puts Bermudians first, and will listen and lead.

He added: "While this is a night of celebration, tomorrow the work continues. That work isn't just for those who supported us but for every Bermudian because, as we pledged in our election campaign, we will govern for all."

In what was one of the most hotly-contested elections in Bermuda’s history with the return of a third political party in the Free Democratic Movement and flurry of independent candidates, Mr Burt said the Government heard the electorate on the high cost of living, expensive healthcare and the need to ensure “we get education reform right”, with teachers receiving the resources they require.

His comments attracted cheers from the audience, but also calls for the work to be done.

He added: “We hear you when we say that our cherished seniors of this country need more assistance and the sandwich generation needs more support.

“Trust me family, we hear you and we will go to work every day.”

"This is not the end," he said. "It's a new beginning."

Before and after the speech there was a full-blown party atmosphere in the streets as party members and supporters danced to the sounds of soca.

Jache Adams, who took Pembroke West with 46.8 per cent of the vote and has been billed by the party as a PLP’s “rising star”, was visibly emotional as he spoke about his late father Antoine Brangman who passed away a year to the day of the PLP victory.

He said: “Today marks the one year anniversary of his death which makes this victory that much sweeter for me. It is a momentous and heart-warming occasion.

“This victory means that the people have spoken. I am a firm believer in democracy, absolutely. I am beyond excited to be member of the team that will take us to that next level.”

Lovitta Foggo, who kept her seat in St David’s with 65 per cent of the vote, said it was not unusual for governments that have retained power for long periods of time to suffer some casualties at the polls, saying “it’s cyclical”.

However, she conceded that the PLP has its work cut out, adding “we are ready to hit the ground running”.

Diallo Rabain, who retained Devonshire South Central, said the win is not only a victory for the PLP but also for the island.

He said: “We now have a third term to keep enacting some of the policies we have talked about.

“It is also a wonderful win for some of those new candidates that did win their seats and I am so proud of them.

“I am proud of some of the young people who came along, persons like Shomari [Talbot-Woolridge] and Iesha [Musson]. They are the future of the party and I predict that we will be seeing a lot more of them as we move forward.”

Mr Burt thanked his family for their support and promised to buy his children a pet dog. He also thanked the PLP members, executive, supporters and volunteers.

The Premier closed his speech saying: “We must honour that trust by working harder than ever before.

“To the people of Bermuda, thank you.”