Cole Simons has been elected United Bermuda Party deputy leader, beating former Deputy Patricia Gordon-Pamplin and newly-elected MP Bob Richards.

Mr. Simons was elected on Wednesday night with MPs known to be unhappy that Ms Gordon-Pamplin had not sought the leadership after Michael Dunkley lost his seat in Parliament.

New party leader Kim Swan said he was looking forward to working with Mr. Simons.

“There is much to do, not just in terms of healing the country after such a divisive election, but also in terms of bringing this party together after the disappointing election result.

“Cole is very committed, as I am, to the articulation of a political vision for Bermuda that will help bring this country together. It is important work.

“Cole has also shown that he is ready to work with our colleagues in Parliament to provide the people of this country with the strong opposition voice they need and deserve.

“He is a team player who is committed to finding the right solutions for the country.”

Mr. Simons was first elected in the constituency of Smith’s South in 1998 and served as Whip and as Shadow Minister for Youth, Sport and Cultural Affairs.

In recent years, he has served as Shadow Minister for the Environment, arguing forcefully on the need for national planning, open space protection, reform of the Planning Department and the conversion of Southlands to a national park.

Mr. Simons said: “As elected leaders, we need to be prepared to take Bermuda to a higher plane.

“The people of this country are looking for a vision that will bring them together and give them momentum to move forward. They are looking for healing, social cohesion, economic security and they’re looking for respect and accountability.

“We as a party can be the impetus and driver of that movement that will bring a vision to this country that all of Bermuda can subscribe to.”