Kathy Lynn Simmons resigns as an MP
A Progressive Labour Party MP whose departure from the Cabinet was announced yesterday has resigned as the representative for Sandys North.
Kathy Lynn Simmons had already stepped down as the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform. She is leaving her ministerial post alongside Cabinet Office minister Vance Campbell.
A ministerial shuffle by David Burt, the Premier, is to be announced this week.
Dennis Lister, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, confirmed that Ms Simmons has also departed as a Member of Parliament, after handing in her letter of resignation today.
Her exit comes at a time of apparent generational shift within the ruling party, after Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the public works minister, announced his planned retirement from politics last December.
Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier, declared last month that he would not be contesting the next General Election.
No reason was given for Ms Simmons’s decision to vacate her seat.
The Progressive Labour Party announces with a mixture of gratitude and sadness the retirement of Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Kathy Lynn Simmons, JP, MP, from her roles in the Cabinet and as the Member of Parliament for Constituency 36.
Attorney-General Simmons has decided to step down after seven years of service, marking her tenure as the longest-serving political Attorney-General in Bermuda’s history.
Throughout her distinguished career, former AG Simmons has been an advocate for justice, equality and the protection of Bermuda’s most vulnerable citizens. Her legislative accomplishments are a testament to her dedication and vision for a fairer society. Notable among these are:
• The enactment of comprehensive sex offender management legislation, ensuring the safety and security of our communities through notification of the release of sexual offenders upon the completion of their sentences
• Tougher sentences and stronger protection against the sexual exploitation of minors, including adding the offences of luring and grooming
• The restoration of the pupillage programme within the Ministry of Legal Affairs, fostering the next generation of legal professionals
• The implementation of no-fault divorce, modernising and humanising the legal process for all Bermudians
• The introduction of revenge porn legislation giving new protections for Bermudians against being victimised via electronic means
• Implementation of a litigation guardian framework to represent children during legal proceedings
• Modernising the selection of jurors for criminal trials to ensure fairness and balance
• Expungement of criminal records for simple possession of cannabis
Former MP Simmons’s unwavering commitment to justice and legal reform has left an indelible mark on Bermuda’s legal landscape. Her leadership, insight and compassion have been invaluable to the PLP and the people of Bermuda.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to former MP Simmons for her tireless service and dedication. Her contributions have not only advanced our legal system but have also profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals. As she retires from this phase of public service, we wish her the very best in her future endeavours and look forward to her continued contributions to our community.
Sandys North had previously been held for the PLP by Michael Scott, the previous attorney-general, who bowed out of politics in September 2020.
The party has typically held Constituency 36 as one of its safe seats in the West End.
The unexpected move by Ms Simmons, who is said to enjoy a good relationship with the Premier, comes with swift electoral consequences.
Under the Bermuda Constitution Order 1968, any MP vacating their seat for any reason other than the dissolution of the legislature would trigger a by-election within two months.
The exception would be whether the legislature were to be dissolved sooner than that date, which occurs when a General Election is called.
If a by-election were to proceed, it would mark the island’s third in less than 12 months, fuelling speculation that a General Election may be called in advance by Mr Burt.
Smith’s North voters chose Robert King in May after a three-way contest for the seat with Lindsay Simmons, of the PLP, and Sir John Swan, the former premier, who threw his hat in the ring as an independent.
It was prompted by Michael Dunkley, the former premier, stepping down from politics.
Similarly, the resignation last year of Cole Simons, the former Leader of the Opposition, sparked the October 2023 by-election for his seat in Smith’s South.
It was retained by the One Bermuda Alliance when Ben Smith won the constituency handily against the PLP challenger Mischa Fubler.
Ms Simmons has served as an MP since the General Election of October 2020 when she won Sandys North in a contest with Marc Bean, the leader of the Free Democratic Movement leader, and Jeff Sousa, the OBA contender.
She was appointed to the Senate in July 2017 after the PLP regained the Government.
Ms Simmons became Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs — a role she has held for just over seven years before handing in her portfolio.
• To read the Speaker’s letter, see Related Media
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