The gloves have come off in the battle to between the island’s two main political parties to win the Smith’s South by-election, which will be held five weeks from today.

The election has been called after the resignation of long-term incumbent and opposition One Bermuda Alliance leader Cole Simons this month.

Yesterday, just before the October 5 election date had been announced, the ruling Progressive Labour Party took aim at Mr Simons’s record as an MP for Constituency 8.

A PLP spokeswoman said that constituents “deserve better representation than they have had for the last 25 years by Cole Simons – and our candidate and canvassing teams will make that case on the doorstep”.

She said: “This area has been underserved by their former MP Simons, as he and the UBP, now OBA, were cushioned by the idea that it was a safe seat.”

The spokeswoman acknowledged that the constituency represented “an uphill battle for the PLP”, noting that the area had been represented only by United Bermuda Party or OBA MPs since 1964. At the 2020 General Election, Mr Simons beat PLP candidate Owen Darrell by 547 votes to 318.

But the spokeswoman added: “Nevertheless, we are excited to announce our candidate, who we know will connect with the voters of C8 and continue to represent the future of the PLP. “

The spokesman said that party canvassers would be knocking on doors to connect with voters and highlight the Government’s “strong leadership” over the past three years.

Jarion Richardson, the Leader of the Opposition, hit back last night, claiming that the present administration had been “plagued with controversy, doubt and dissension”.

Mr Richardson also paid tribute to Mr Simons, saying that the veteran MP was exiting the political stage leaving “a legacy of transparency and decency”.

Mr Richardson said: “The Government’s statement demonstrates the lack of civility in modern politics. The Honourable Cole Simons served Bermuda and Constituency 8 with dignity, grace and loyalty for 25 years.

“He has retired and has done what few politicians can ... lead a project of reformation, improve the state of a political party, and leave a legacy of transparency and decency. This significantly contrasts with the Government’s leadership of Bermuda, which has been plagued with controversy, doubt and dissension.

“Thank you, Cole, for your service. Thank you, voters of C8, for your commitment to principles and ideals.

“We will ensure that Constituency 8 never descends into the kind of politics in which this government excels. The OBA can assure you that it will continue to work hard in Smith’s South and win the seat once again.”

To date, neither party has unveiled their approved candidate for the by-election. In its statement yesterday the PLP said that the party “will continue to build on the solid connections with voters made by Owen Darrell”.

But the spokeswoman did not respond when asked by The Royal Gazette to confirm if Mr Darrell would be fighting the seat for a second time.

Mr Darrell is the Government Senate Leader and Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport. He would be required to resign both positions before contesting any election.

For the OBA, Mr Richardson also remained tight-lipped, saying: “We are excited and look forward to unveiling our candidate in the near future.”

The Governor, Rena Lalgie, issued a writ yesterday for the by-election to be held on October 5.

In a statement, the Parliamentary Registrar said that, in order to cast their ballots, constituents had until 5pm next Wednesday to make sure that they were on the voter register.

The Registrar said: “Voters living in Smith’s South are encouraged to ensure their registration details are correct and up to date.”

Registration forms are available at the Parliamentary Registrar’s Office and on its website. All information relating to the by-election will be made available.

The Parliamentary Registry is at Craig Appin House, 8 Wesley Street, Hamilton.