Young Progressive Labour Party members and supporters say a new era is emerging after two candidates in their mid-30s won local election battles this week.

Senator Marc Bean, 36, is almost certain to become the PLP's youngest current MP following Premier Ewart Brown's departure next month, after the Warwick South Central branch chose him over three older colleagues on Tuesday night.

And Jhon Gibbons, also in his mid-30s, was the surprise winner over former UBP MP Jamahl Simmons in St. George's West on the same evening.

Two PLP figures in their late 20s, former Senator Davida Morris and party organiser Makai Dickerson, yesterday said they've got renewed hope the party is now shifting towards a fresher way of thinking.

Ms Morris has previously complained young people are sick of the PLP's actions, while Mr. Dickerson has said many want the party old guard to make way for new blood.

Ms Morris said yesterday: "I'm actually quite happy about Senator Bean's and Mr Gibbons' election.

"They are obviously people who care deeply about the future of Bermuda and her people and they are the type of people we need in the House of Assembly.

"That younger members are being allowed to enter the political foray in positions where they can do more meaningful work, to me is an indication that the PLP membership not only has confidence in their younger members — as they should, because they're awesome — but they are the forward thinking people that I know them to be.

"The members have proven with their votes they are thinking of the long-term viability of the party by choosing candidates that are both vested in the Island and honest in their views which will allow them to help Bermuda progress.

"This is such an exciting time for Bermuda politics. It's changing so quickly and despite the present problems I really do think with more minds like Senator Bean's especially, Bermuda will come out the other side in good form."

Mr. Dickerson said: "I am happy that young people have put themselves forward for such an important role in their community, and delighted that the branch members have enough confidence in them to put them forward as their representatives.

"I am encouraged particularly by the selection of Senator Marc Bean as it is an example that it takes more than being a young person, but combined with hard work and commitment to those you serve, you will be noticed and you will be granted the opportunity to advance and serve the people on a higher level.

"I look forward to seeing more young people step up to the plate, not just to hold a post for the title, but to work hard on behalf of the people and deliver results not promises."

Sen. Bean would not comment in detail, but said: "You can't discard your elders, but you have to combine their wisdom with what the young people can also bring."

Of the PLP's current 23 MPs, 13 were part of the historic election-winning team in 1998, while a 14th, Wayne Furbert, was a United Bermuda Party MP before that. Seven have been in the House since 1993 or earlier.

Many young people have been frustrated in their attempts to break through as candidates, but large numbers now believe they have a better chance after the PLP opened up its internal election process earlier this year.

PLP-supporting blogger Jonathan Starling, in his early 30s, said: "The new crop of PLPers will be subtly different than the current crop, who were forged in Opposition and a different era.

"Some of the older group may have been too damaged, in some ways, by our Opposition years and other historical issues, which still need dealing with, and may not have adjusted to governing as readily as was needed."

Mr. Starling said the new crop could focus on governing instead, adding: "The next period will see the next generation of the party come of age and that I think is something to welcome and look forward to.

"There are a lot of high calibre youth ready to fill the shoes of the old guard. That's not to say the old guard should just step aside; we need their experience, but at the same time the party needs new blood or it risks atrophying."

Party members also pointed to the failure of former Cabinet Minister Arthur Hodgson — comfortably beaten by Pastor Leroy Bean in St. George's South — as another example of the new winning over the old.

Yesterday, it emerged Sen. Bean took around 55 percent of the votes on Tuesday night, with Attorney General Kim Wilson around 30 percent, businessman Nelson Hunt less than ten percent and Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert less than five percent.

Many party members said Sen. Bean's chances were greatly enhanced by an endorsement at local level from Dr. Brown.

The Premier had refused to endorse any of the four candidates in the media, but he is thought to have commended Sen. Bean to the branch, which still holds Dr. Brown in high regard.

Sen. Bean has been one of his keenest supporters and is Junior to the Premier's Tourism and Transport Ministry.

Mr. Starling said: "For many in the party, Marc is seen as very much Dr. Brown's protégé, and I think it would have been clear to the branch that if Dr. Brown was going to endorse anyone, it would have been him."

Reflecting on Sen. Bean's victory, Dr. Brown said: "I have already congratulated Senator Bean. I also reminded him that the hard work remains in front of him and that he must now justify the branch's confidence in him."

But some party members argued that while Dr. Brown's backing may have been useful in Warwick, it could have the opposite effect on a national level.

"In some circles people can't wait to see the back of Dr. Brown, so an endorsement from him might not be exactly what he needs," said one.