The impending double by-election for Warwick North East and Paget East marks a challenge and an opportunity for the One Bermuda Alliance, the Opposition leader has said.

Jeanne Atherden emphasised that the OBA was “taking steps to create a party strengthened by our common goals and principles”, in a 2½ minute video posted on social media platform YouTube on Monday.

The Opposition has still to announce its contenders for the seats, vacated by OBA MPs Grant Gibbons, who retired from his Paget East seat last month, and the resignation of Jeff Baron from his Warwick North East seat days before.

Ms Atherden said the twin by elections were “a challenge, especially at this time”, but also “a tremendous opportunity” for the party. She said: “On November 18, I was elected the leader of the OBA. In my campaign speech, I told you of my commitment to the OBA, my determination, passion, and willingness to work hard and learn from our mistakes.”

Ms Atherden added she had pledged to grow “diverse membership” as well as “supporting and mentoring our younger members”. She also promised “a party that will be responsive to the needs of the Bermuda community by listening, gathering information and creating solutions”.

Ms Atherden said the OBA would nominate candidates that would “make us a strong Opposition to ultimately regain the Government”. Curtis Dickinson was unveiled by the Progressive Labour Party as its candidate for Warwick North East last week and Curtis Richardson was announced as the Paget East candidate yesterday.