Zane DeSilva and Curtis Dickinson plan to run for leadership of the Progressive Labour Party, sources within and close to the party have said.

With a PLP election victory comfortably secured on Tuesday evening, the selection of Cabinet members, a deputy party leader and, eventually, the next party leader will be the next major item on the agenda.

Mr Dickinson, a former Minister of Finance, told The Royal Gazette that he had made no decisions related to the position of deputy leader, while Mr DeSilva, a former Cabinet member, could not be reached.

The PLP’s constitution states it is the party delegates who decide the deputy leader and leader roles.

The deputy position must be decided within 30 days of the election, while the leadership vote must be taken by October 2026 when David Burt’s term is up.

The Premier has publicly stated that he will not be running again as leader so if he commits to his word, a change in leadership is inevitable, while the retirement of Walter Roban as deputy, means a replacement will have to be elected.

Others who have been singled out as having “leadership ambitions” include Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport; Renée Ming, who was returned to the House of Assembly in the election; and Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors.

A PLP source told The Royal Gazette: “Zane wants to throw his hat in the ring straight away. Most are settled that David Burt will stay in position for the next 18 months. After that, it goes to delegates’ conference.

“Curtis Dickinson will possibly be nominated for the leadership but he won’t be chosen because of the subtle divisiveness that has been caused by him since he lost the leadership challenge.”

Mr Dickinson challenged Mr Burt to the party leadership unsuccessfully in September 2022.

“He is very conservative, the OBA would love him,” the source added.

“David Burt is a people person, he knows how to reach people and relate to all people.”

Mr Roban, the Deputy Premier, was also challenged unsuccessfully for his party post by Ms Ming, the former national security minister.

A source close to the PLP said a number of MPs might try to become deputy leader or leader.

The source added: “For leader, it is too early to say. Once the deputy race is over, the landscape will be clearer.

“The only person I know for sure that is running [for the leadership] is Zane.

“I wouldn’t rule out Curtis Dickinson, but he was burnt by the last experience.

“There are people like Kim Wilson [the Minister of Health] with leadership ambitions, but she suffered a major defeat the last time she ran for deputy when David Burt became leader.

“I can see Renée Ming having ambitions and Tinée is a possibility.

“Michael Weeks might run for deputy; he ran before.

“I've heard Jason Hayward is ruling himself out, but that is not confirmed.

“I have also heard that Owen Darrell might give it a go.”

A political pundit, who wished to remain anonymous, also tipped Mr Darrell as having an eye on the leadership.

The source said: “I have heard both Zane and Curtis’s names bandied about for leadership when David Burt steps down. The camps are lining up.

“If Zane becomes leader, then Curtis will become deputy and vice versa.

“I think it is a little soon for Tinée Furbert. It would have been Kim Wilson if she wanted to go down that route.

“I am hearing Owen Darrell for deputy leader. I am wondering how he would fit into it, but it would be too soon for him as well.”

A political observer who wished to remain anonymous believes there are a number of potential candidates.

The source said: "Dickinson is obviously going to be at the top of many people’s lists on the basis of his previous challenge and re-election.

“I know some have floated Zane DeSilva as a potential option, too.

“Someone more associated as an heir to Burt would likely run, too. And while new MPs, even if long-term senators, could put their name forward, I’d imagine the membership would be looking for someone with more experience in the House.

“Jason Hayward is a possibility. Owen Darrell, too. I could see some of the female MPs putting themselves forward for deputy with a longer-term vision of a leadership challenge maybe in 2030. I’m not sure if any would go for 2026.”

Another source close to the party said Mr DeSilva wanted the leadership role and that Ms Furbert might prove a viable option.

The source said that Mr Dickinson would “probably” go for the leadership role, but that Mr Burt would likely support Mr DeSilva in his bid to win over delegates.

The same source said it would not be a surprise if Alexa Lightbourne, a newcomer to frontline politics, who was elected as the Devonshire North West (Constituency 14) MP, may be in line to get a portfolio — and that Joanne Ball-Burgess, the PLP candidate for Warwick North East defeated by the One Bermuda Alliance’s Douglas De Couto, will get a seat in the Senate.

Mr Dickinson said: “I have made no decisions with respect to seeking the position of deputy leader.”

A PLP spokesman said: “The party’s central committee will meet on Monday evening to decide the date for the election of a new deputy party leader, which will be held within 30 days of yesterday’s election.”

Mr DeSilva could not be reached.