Incumbent Robert King, of the One Bermuda Alliance, has pledged to “do the difficult work” for the constituents of Smith’s North and the island after he was returned to the House of Assembly by voters in Constituency 10.

Mr King, who was a political newcomer when he prevailed in a by-election in Smith’s North last year, received 303 votes - 39.92 per cent of the votes cast - and now has a four-year mandate from the voters in C10.

Lindsay Simmons, of the Progressive Labour Party, made a strong challenge in the traditionally safe OBA seat, attracting the support of 286 voters (37.68 per cent) while independent Sir John Swan - back in the political fray at the age of 89 - finished with 170 votes (22.4 per cent).

There are 1,305 eligible voters in the constituency; a total of 759 votes were cast

Mr King, the OBA’s Shadow Minister for Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said: “It was a close race with quality candidates, and I am extremely happy with the result. It was a tight result, as it was in the by-election, and tonight was closer than I expected.

“My pledge is to address the issues of C10 that have been communicated to me by constituents and to do the difficult work for C10 and the island.”

He added: “I am so thankful for the support of my wife, Miriam (Shaye-King), Gina Ingham and the incredible team back at the war room.”

Ms Simmons, a Government senator and the Junior Minister for Social Development, Seniors, Youth and Home Affairs, had tears in her eyes as she said: “I feel good. I had a lot of people come out and support me today, and believe in me. The amount of people who voted for me in contrast with the by-election speaks to the support and that people see the work that I’ve been doing.

“My team is amazing. I’ll continue to work. I’m not going to give up on C10, and C10 won’t give up on me.”

Sir John was not immediately available for comment following the announcement of the result shortly before 10pm at the Smith’s North polling station at Elliot Primary School in Devonshire.

Bermuda’s longest-serving premier governed the island from 1982 until 1995, at which time he resigned as leader of the United Bermuda Party after 73 per cent of voters in a referendum rejected independence from Britain.

Sir John re-entered the political fray to contest last year’s by-election in Smith’s North, finishing with 184 votes to end up second to Mr King (209 votes) in the final tally with Ms Simmons (181 votes) just behind in third place.

The seat became free when OBA MP and former Premier Michael Dunkley retired from politics.

Sir John’s independent candidacy was the trigger for an unprecedented wave of 27 independent candidates contesting the election - although none were successful.