Anti-drunk driving campaigner Anthony Santucci is the new chairman of the Progressive Labour Party.

Mr. Santucci — a former election candidate for both the National Liberal Party and the United Bermuda Party — was elected as David Burt's replacement on Thursday at the PLP's annual delegates conference.

He steps up from membership secretary, a role he served for three and a half years, having joined the PLP about a decade ago.

He has been a regular face in the news as chairman of "CADA — Encouraging Responsible Alcohol Behaviour", which recently launched a training course teaching bartenders to help them deal with drunk customers.

In a statement on the PLP website, Mr. Santucci said he wants to deepen the PLP's grassroots infrastructure.

"The PLP is a grassroots party that is in touch with people across Bermuda," he stated. "As a lifelong community activist, my goal, as chairman, is to strengthen the party's grassroots infrastructure and bring more people into the party."

Reflecting on Premier Ewart Brown's recent call for unity in the country, Mr. Santucci said: "As PLP chairman, I look forward to reaching out to all Bermudians in their communities and letting them know that they are welcome to join our party and work with us to move Bermuda forward."

Mr. Santucci fought unsuccessfully for the NLP in 1989 and the UBP in 1993 before joining the PLP about ten years ago.

On the PLP, he said: "I believe in our party and our people-first government. I will not bow before those who attack and mislead. Instead, I will stand steadfastly against those attacks and for the truth."

Also at the delegates conference, young Bermudian and Mirrors graduate Makai Dickerson was elected to replace Dawn Simmons as the party organiser for the west, with Jamaine Smith elected to replace Mr. Santucci as membership secretary.