An elated Walton Brown was overcome with emotion last night after he defeated the One Bermuda Alliance’s Andrew Simons in Pembroke Central by more than 250 votes.

In December 2012 the pair was separated by just six votes at the polls, but the 2017 election saw Mr Brown march to an overwhelming victory and defeat Mr Simons by 540 votes to 283.

The Progressive Labour Party stalwart was embraced by thrilled family and friends as he came out of the Berkeley Institute auditorium on a memorable evening for the PLP.

Mr Brown said the result meant a huge amount to him, especially given that July 18 would have been his father, Walton Brown senior’s, 85th birthday.

Mr Brown said: “I am elated. It’s been a hard-fought battle but I fully appreciate the support the constituents of number 17 have shown me.

“I have been part of a very well organised team. This means a great deal to me as today would have been my father’s birthday.

“I believe that I won this seat on the doorstep and because of the sentiment out there that it is time for change.”

Mr Brown’s resounding win in Pembroke Central came despite many describing the seat as a “marginal” that could go either way. This year’s turnout in the constituency increased by more than 120 voters compared to the 2012 election.

Mr Brown added: “The people want to see a government that puts them first. There was a sense that the people felt neglected under the previous government.

“I am now looking forward to getting back to work for the people if this country.”

Mr Simons thanked all those who had supported him in his campaign and told The Royal Gazette he had no regrets.

He said: “I guess the first response is to acknowledge the power of democracy.

“More people voted in this election in my constituency than the previous one in 2012.

“I am thankful to everyone who has participated and to those people who came out in support of me.

“Something I told myself when approaching this election is that I wanted to work so hard that I would not have any regrets, and I do not have any regrets.

“I will now take time to reflect on this: the national result as well as my own.”