A founding member of the Free Democratic Movement has resigned from the group and will not be a candidate in the General Election.

Kae Thomas Palacio announced the move yesterday.

A press release said: “Kae Thomas Palacio has resigned as a founder and member of the Free Democratic Movement, and has withdrawn her candidature from the upcoming General Election in C31 Southampton West Central.

“She extends her best wishes to the FDM in the upcoming election.“

It left Ben Smith, of the One Bermuda Alliance, and the Progressive Labour Party’s Crystal Caesar to battle for the seat.

Marc Bean, the FDM leader, apologised on behalf of the movement to constituents of Southampton West Central who had voted for Ms Thomas Palacio in advanced polling.

He said: “The last thing in our intentions going into this was to disenfranchise.”

Mr Bean added: “Both Mr Smith and Ms Caesar are fine representatives of the country, fine servants of the country, as was my expectation for Ms Thomas Palacio.

“But we are free as an entity and so she has exercised her right.

“Yet I have to apologise to the voters in 31, especially those who actually have voted.”

The FDM originally fielded 15 candidates for the October 1 election.

Mr Bean said that Ms Thomas Palacio, like each of them, brought “something to the table that makes up what the FDM is”.

He added: “We operate on the premise of freedom of conscience and that conscience applies across the board, so if she has chosen to do it, then I have to respect it.”

Mr Bean said he was surprised, but added: “Everything I’ve been through personally when it comes to politics, nothing really surprises me, so I have to take everything as it comes.

“I have learnt to keep myself as balanced as possible.”

Ms Thomas Palacio could not be contacted for comment.