Former Progressive Labour Party MP Dale Butler has applied to run for Parliament.

Mr Butler cited the use of pepper spray against citizens during the December 2 protests as a reason to return to politics, as well as the decision by the Bermuda Government not to renew the work permit of his pastor, the Reverend Nicholas Tweed.

Mr Butler said today: “Since 2012, I have been encouraged by former constituents and members of the public to return.

“I have tried to stay out of the limelight while encouraging many others who have great ideas and are critical of everyone, to step up.

“This has not happened. At the same time, I had to witness pepper spraying of our citizens, and just yesterday the decision not to renew my pastor’s work permit was what pushed me in this direction.

“At 5am this morning, I submitted my application to be considered by the PLP to be a candidate.”

Mr Butler joined the PLP at the age of 16 and was first elected in the party’s historic win in 1998. He served in a number of Cabinet roles, including youth, sports, social rehabilitation and culture.

He quit Cabinet over the handling of the Uighur issue by Ewart Brown, the former Premier, in 2009.

Mr Butler served Warwick North East for 14 years until he was voted out in favour of the One Bermuda Alliance’s Mark Pettingill in 2012.