A veteran member of the One Bermuda Alliance from a long political background has decided to retire.

Susan Jackson, who had served as MP for Pembroke South West since the party’s election victory in 2012, will not contest the seat in the General Election next month.

Her departure from politics leaves the Opposition down a candidate with just weeks to go before voters head to the polls.

The move comes two days after the Progressive Labour Party announced Iesha Musson as its candidate for Constituency 20.

Ms Jackson told The Royal Gazette in 2020 that the example of her parents had pushed her “to step up and participate at the highest level I could in the Bermuda community”.

Ms Jackson’s mother, the late Louise Jackson, was Shadow Minister of Health and Seniors, while her father, Albert Jackson, also deceased, served as President of the Senate.

Her great-grandfather, John Henry Thomas Jackson, was elected to Parliament in 1887, the second Black Bermudian to serve as an MP.

Initially a United Bermuda Party candidate for Southampton East Central, where she ran against Zane DeSilva, she joined the House of Assembly as an OBA MP for Constituency 20.

When she was unveiled for Pembroke South West, Ms Jackson said: “I can’t think of any higher calling than representing the people, and this is a proud moment for me — I can really feel it in every fibre of my body.”

She added: “I have to say that I completely understand and get what it’s like to be a single mother raising children. I understand what it’s like to be unemployed and have doubts and fears about whether I am going to ever get another job.”

She also cited her work with the Mirrors Programme, YouthNet, the Women’s Resource Centre and the anti-drug charity Pride.

Ms Jackson, 62, served a while as deputy chairwoman in 2014 with Karen Hodgkins when they were elected as a duo.

When the OBA returned to the Opposition in 2017, her shadow ministerial roles included health and seniors, education, social development, sport, tourism and transport.

In 2023, she challenged new MP Ben Smith to be deputy leader of the party after Jarion Richardson, the former holder of the role, became Leader of the Opposition in the wake of the resignation of Cole Simons. Mr Smith won the contest that December.

Mr Richardson said of her withdrawal from politics: “Although sad to see her retire, the One Bermuda Alliance wishes MP Susan Jackson all the best as she enters her next stage of life.

“Susan is to be commended for her decades of service to the people of Bermuda and especially the residents of Constituency 20.”

He added: “Susan Jackson has served the people well and has continued her family’s legacy, walking in the footsteps of her mother, the late MP Louise Jackson.

“It has been an honour to work with MP Jackson. I have learnt a lot from her over the years and wish her nothing but the best. The people of Bermuda were fortunate to have been served by you.”