Nalton Brangman has quit the Senate to focus on his work for the Morgan’s Point resort.

The former Education Minister resigned yesterday, citing professional reasons.

Premier Michael Dunkley confirmed last night that Mr Brangman had stepped down and praised his “passion” for the Island.

“I have accepted Mr Brangman’s resignation from the Senate and I have thanked him for his service,” Mr Dunkley said. “During his time in Government, Nalton has demonstrated that he has a tremendous passion for Bermuda and its people.

“I am gratified to know that he is supportive of the Government and will continue to work closely with us to advance our goals and objectives.”

The Cabinet Office said an announcement would be made in due course regarding the swearing-in of a new Government Senator.

Mr Brangman, who served as Education Minister between December 2012 and December last year, stepped down as Junior Minister for Tourism and Transport in the Senate in August after being appointed director of infrastructure and development by the Morgan’s Point developers.

He gave up the portfolio to avoid any conflict with his new role, but continued in the Senate.

At the time of his appointment to Morgan’s Point, Mr Brangman, who has an extensive background in engineering, energy and design, was described as a “huge advocate” of the Morgan’s Point development by Craig Christensen, president and chief executive of Morgan’s Point Ltd.

He “has been very helpful in bridging the gap between the developers and the Government,” Mr Christensen added.

“His understanding and experience of infrastructure has been, and will continue to be, the greatest asset that he brings to this project. We are delighted that Nalton accepted our offer and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with him.”

Mr Brangman’s appointment with Morgan’s Point initially caused controversy before he stepped down as Junior Minister.

Progressive Labour Party leader Marc Bean said at the time that he was “shocked” that Mr Brangman had kept the role.

“Senator Brangman should be free to pursue private-sector employment and we take no issue with Morgan’s Point Ltd appointing him to a role they think he can fulfil.

“The Progressive Labour Party wholeheartedly supports the Morgan’s Point Project and will do what it can to ensure that it becomes a reality.

“However, we are shocked that Premier Michael Dunkley has allowed Senator Brangman to retain his Junior Ministerial portfolio of Tourism and Transport — a role that has already and will, in the future, put him in a position where direct conflicts between his private and public employment are sure to arise.”

Morgan’s Point developer Mr Christensen told The Royal Gazette in July that he hoped to complete the first phase of the project by 2016.

The major hotel development, in Southampton, will be a major boost to Bermuda’s economy, beginning with a number of construction and related industry jobs.

When appointing Mr Brangman, Morgan’s Point Ltd highlighted his “wide breadth of experience in electrical engineering design, energy management systems [design installation and service], smart building technologies [integrated HVAC, lighting, security and access control systems] including design and service, light mechanical systems, fire alarm and fire safety system [design, installation and service] fire suppression systems [design and installation], power engineering design infrastructure, especially as it relates to large projects.

“His training in construction technology and background in these disciplines brings a great deal of knowledge in an important area of the Morgan’s Point development which will be critical to the project’s success,” the company added.

Mr Brangman also caused controversy as Education Minister when he said in October 2013 that teaching standards in middle schools were “the weakness in our system”.

He later apologised to angry educators, saying that while the quality of teaching was important, it was also up to the Ministry of Education to “provide the professional development and framework to ensure student success”.

“I did make the statement and I sincerely apologise to all of our teachers for making it,” he said at the time.

The Royal Gazette tried to contact Mr Brangman for comment on his resignation but he could not be reached.