A founding member of the island’s third political party had election-watchers holding their breaths for a spell last night when it appeared Marc Bean of the Free Democratic Movement might flip a traditionally Progressive Labour Party seat in his favour.

The status of Southampton West (Constituency 32) as a PLP stronghold for more than 20 years looked in potential doubt this election with the candidacy of Mr Bean, who led the PLP when they were in opposition.

In the end, the PLP incumbent Scott Simmons, who has held the seat since 2017, overhauled Mr Bean’s lead and closed the night with 322 votes to Mr Bean’s 225.

Mr Simmons said that “in my humble opinion, the best man won”.

“I recognise that my constituents recognise the significance of tonight, and I will work for them and continue to do the good work,” he added.

A young One Bermuda Alliance maverick candidate, Kellan Lewis, garnered 150 votes and declared himself “humbled” by the “amazing journey” into the political fray.

He took a healthy third place despite proving a controversial choice for the OBA when he was unveiled as a candidate last month.

Mr Lewis was released from prison in 2014 after being convicted for the manslaughter in 2008 of Kellon Hill.

Mr Lewis praised the respectful friendliness among the candidates outside the polling station as “how politics in Bermuda should be”.

The three candidates enjoyed a cordial exchange with one another, as well as voters, while nearly 700 residents turned out.

Mr Simmons said: “This election is pivotal, in that the electorate are demanding there must be attention to their needs.”

He applauded the turnout, but said: “The PLP has brought out its base and as a result of that, we have been successful. We have been given the opportunity to continue to serve.

“I have heard the voices of the voters. They see what we have done, but it’s clear they want us to do more as a Government.”

In 2020, the contest was between Mr Scott and Christopher Gauntlett of the FDM, with Karen Magnum running for the OBA, but the constituency has typically gone to the PLP.

Mr Bean said: “I will absolutely make sure that the FDM is not going quiet. My team is very focused on that.

“In my opinion, I have been unjustly criticised, because of the FDM going quiet for a while. There was also a narrative that I no longer live in Bermuda, which is false.”

Mr Bean said his party stood for “a cleansing, a political sanitation – in a good way”.

A beaming Mr Lewis said he had been “honoured”.

“Will I continue to campaign? Of course,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“While I am disappointed, I will remain steadfast in my support for the community and the country.”

Mr Lewis pledged to “work with whomever I can” to ensure the concerns of constituents are addressed.