The next General Election has been called for February 18, it was announced yesterday.

Within the space of a madcap two hours, the legislature was dissolved by the Governor, the election date was confirmed by the Premier, followed by a statement from Government House, the ruling Progressive Labour Party set out its stall and the One Bermuda Alliance declared its “excitement” that Bermudians would soon go to the ballot boxes.

The election will be held in just over 40 days, at a time when focus is typically on the Budget and when overseas students are likely to be off the island.

In what appeared a campaign speech that lasted more than ten minutes, David Burt, the Premier and PLP leader, listed a catalogue of government achievements.

Joined by MPs, senators and candidates at party headquarters, he said that the PLP was “committed to uplifting the many, not the few and dedicated to dismantling centuries of inequality to create a Bermuda where fairness isn’t just spoken about, it is felt by every family, every young Bermudian, every senior”.

Mr Burt said: “We know that there is more to do and the Progressive Labour Party remains focused on continuing to deliver the things that make a meaningful difference in your families’ daily lives.

“This is a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, to acknowledge the work still ahead, and where the people of Bermuda will have the opportunity to reaffirm their desire for this team standing behind me to continue building a fairer Bermuda — or turning back the clock to policies that left so many behind.”

The Premier could have held off calling an election until late August, thus fully completing the five-year mandate the PLP won in October 2020.

Asked why he had decided to hold it earlier, he replied: “We could spend the next eight or nine months, going over politics, arguing back and forth.

“But Bermuda stands on the cusp of a pivotal time, and we think it’s time for the people to have a say so that whatever Budget is passed it represents the will of the persons as we press forward.

“And so from that avenue and aspect, we are ready to go to the persons, go to their homes, go to their communities, speak to our plans, speak to what we have delivered and speak to what we intend delivering in the future.

“We are ready and we’re pressing forward.

“The One Bermuda Alliance should not be surprised because they spent an entire Throne Speech reply calling for an election.”

He said that the PLP will take its message to the people.

Mr Burt added: “We will abide by the results of whatever the people say.”

Asked if the election date could affect the legislative schedule in relation to the 2025-26 Budget Statement, which is normally delivered in February, Mr Burt said: “If that wasn’t possible, then the Governor would not have the dissolution of Parliament.

“Whatever budget this government produces, the OBA would have called it an election budget.”

The Premier also dismissed speculation concerning party infighting and that some MPs were considering a leadership challenge.

Several absences at the press conference included government backbenchers Wayne Caines, Zane DeSilva and Christopher Famous.

Mr Burt said: “This Progressive Labour Party team is united to press forward under provision of a fairer Bermuda.

“They are persons who have delivered to those in their communities, they’ve been a part of our legislative victories and they’re going to continue to work the policies for the future.

“This is not about me, this is about the people of this country and the vision and the choice which they will face.”

A statement from the PLP said: “Together, we have raised pensions, introduced the minimum wage, lowered taxes for most Bermudians and built affordable housing — and we have more work to do.

“In the next term, we will continue to expand affordable housing, open senior daycare facilities, provide free annual healthcare visits, and create the Bermuda Market for lower-cost goods.

“The OBA’s record? Costly bad deals at the airport and Morgan’s Point, neglected public schools, Jetgate, pepper spray and policies that put Bermudians second in their own country with Pathways to Status.

“We can’t afford to go back.”

Jarion Richardson, the OBA leader, said that his party was "excited that the Premier will finally be held accountable for presiding over the disaster that is today's Bermuda“.

He added: “The people of Bermuda are tired of the island’s inequity and their voices finally have the opportunity to be heard.

“I listened with intent and pondered, for a premier who is so confident about what his government has done for Bermuda and her people, why did he spend so much time focusing on the One Bermuda Alliance?”

Mr Richardson claimed that Mr Burt was “manipulating the public”.

He added: “It looks as if we are more of a threat than Premier Burt and the Progressive Labour Party want to let on.

“Is he running away from having to draft a budget to actually deal with Bermuda’s problems? Is he running away from figuring out the details in the corporate income tax he rushed into?”

Mr Richardson also criticised the PLP for holding an election in February, when many younger voters will be at school overseas.

He said: “To the youth of Bermuda, Premier Burt is yet again sending a resounding message — your voices are not needed or valued.

“Very little was said about your future in the Throne Speech, and by calling a February election he is stripping you of an opportunity to vote if you are in school overseas.

“That doesn’t sound like a fairer Bermuda to us.

“The One Bermuda Alliance has been and continues to work hard for the people of this island as we are committed to securing Bermuda’s future.

“A Bermuda where every resident will benefit, not just a selected few.”

A proclamation in the Official Gazette by Rena Lalgie, the outgoing Governor, confirmed the dissolution of the legislature with effect from 5pm today.

Nomination day for candidates will be on January 31.

• UPDATE: this article has been updated to include comments from the FDM