Plumbing business owner Charlie Swan is the United Bermuda Party’s choice to fight Southampton West — a seat currently held by Education Minister Randy Horton who at one stage was dumped by the local Progressive Labour Party branch.

Mr. Swan, a married father of two who runs Batson Swan, said he had been a lifelong UBP supporter but he faces a tough fight to oust the PLP who won the seat by more than 200 votes last time.

It’s still unclear who Mr. Swan will face.

Indications are that Mr. Horton, who lost out heavily to Somerset Bridge Recreation Club (SBRC) president Marc Bean in the branch vote, will be allowed to run in Southampton West again. Mr. Swan has been involved with the sea cadets, the Construction Association and Sandys Rotary as well as organising circuses and ice shows at White Hill field.

He said he had lived in the area all his life except for the last eight years when he moved to Church Road in the neighbouring seat.

He said: “I believe in being proactive in Government and planning ahead and being in contact with the people who matter. They are part of the reasons why I have always supported the United Bermuda Party. Now I have decided to add my voice.”

He called for more Police on the beat and more action on getting technical training moving.

Opposition leader Michael Dunkley said his party had been wanting to recruit Mr. Swan as a candidate for a while.

“He’s from the area, has a background of service to the community and is an astute businessman. I think he is really grounded in the community. I am excited to have him.”

Mr. Dunkley said Mr. Swan had the hunger for banging on doors that he wanted in his candidates as he tries to reverse what the termed the disconnect between voters and their elected representatives.

“He’s out there canvassing. We are comfortable he’s going to get the work done.”

Meanwhile it has emerged that Bermuda Industrial Union firebrand LaVerne Furbert is the likely PLP choice to fight UBP stronghold of Pembroke South West, currently held by Louise Jackson.

However its unclear who will represent the PLP in Warwick West.

Freddie Wade’s widow Ianthia Wade had originally been given the branch backing but its thought Melvin Dickinson, Director of the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Disabled, was put in by the party hierarchy only to withdraw soon after.

It’s thought former Senator Larry Mussenden, who had also been interested in the seat, has now been picked for the more winnable Smith’s West currently held by Trevor Moniz, making Mrs. Wade the likely choice again for Warwick West.

However the PLP have yet to make any official announcement of their slate of candidates although party insiders believe that could come next week after services for party legend Dame Lois Browne-Evans.

An election is widely expected in July.