The Progressive Labour Party this morning announced that Mischa Fubler will stand as its candidate in Southampton East Central at the next General Election.

The constituency is held by backbencher Jason Wade, who won the seat for the PLP in the 2020 election with a narrow majority.

Today, Mr Wade confirmed that he will be standing down at the next General Election to focus on personal projects.

Mr Fubler represented the PLP in the Smith’s South by-election last October, after the retirement of former One Bermuda Alliance leader Cole Simons.

He lost out to Ben Smith in the OBA stronghold, gaining 167 votes to Mr Smith’s 457.

At today’s press conference, Mr Fubler described that contest as “a valuable learning experience” that he hoped demonstrated he was “no stranger to hard work”.

He said: “When it comes to advocating for the people of Bermuda I don’t back down, even when faced with unfavourable odds.

“The values I shared on September 1 last year have not changed.

“I still believe in economic and social justice, and that through our collective power and collaboration, we can develop our strengths and explore new opportunities for sustainable growth.”

The PLP has presented a number of parliamentary candidates in recent weeks following political resignations.

Owen Darrell, a senator and the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, was announced last month as the candidate for Pembroke East in the next General Election.

That seat will be vacated upon the impending retirement of Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs.

The Reverend Emily Gail Dill, also a senator and the Junior Minister of National Security, is the PLP’s candidate for next month’s by-election in Sandys North.

Voters of Constituency 36 will go to the polls on October 4 after the resignation of government MP Kathy-Lynn Simmons last month.

Dr Dill will be up against Carl Neblett of the One Bermuda Alliance, Marc Bean, the founder of the Free Democratic Movement, and independent candidate Cire Bean.