Robert King promised to stand as an agent for change as the new leader of the One Bermuda Alliance after his election to succeed Jarion Richardson at the party’s annual conference this evening.

Members voted in the Shadow Minister of National Security, the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation over Ben Smith, the Shadow Minister of Education and Sport.

Attendees also chose Scott Pearman, the Shadow Attorney-General, as the OBA’s deputy leader, after he ran against Michael Fahy, the Shadow Minister of Home Affairs.

Fresh from the results, which were greeted with applause by party members at the Vasco da Gama Club, Mr King declared: “First and foremost, we have to get our candidates ready for the next election.”

He said his leadership would bring “a vocal Opposition and government-in-waiting” as legislators prepare to return to the House of Assembly next week.

“We’re in the election cycle now — there are only 11 of us, so we’re in it now,” Mr King said.

“We’re going to be doing the work from Monday, we’re not going to wait for it.”

The MP for Smith’s North (Constituency 10) admitted that the leadership race “could have gone either way”, but said voters chose him “because they believe I will be a person who would best be able to advocate for them and get our party ready for the next election”.

Mr King vowed that the Opposition’s team “is going to be formidable” and said there had been a spirited contest for leadership, with “a very large turnout from our membership — it’s democracy in action”.

He also promised to ensure the party’s communication strategy is “robust and effective to meet the challenges of the Progressive Labour Party’s well-oiled propaganda machine”.

Mr King highlighted the difference between being aggressive and assertive in the House.

He said: “What I’m talking about is this, if the administration says something or does something that’s unparliamentary or untrue or defamatory, I will absolutely speak up for my MPs, for our party and for the people.”

Mr King conceded it had been a tough race, adding: “It’s been exhausting, the amount of work that’s involved.

“This is a difficult job, as Scott has alluded to before, being out there in the community, connecting with constituents, addressing the issues of constituents’ concern and of national importance.

“It takes a lot out of you, and then you’re in a leadership election as well. It’s extremely exhausting, but rewarding.”

Mr King said the party would put focus on holding town hall meetings.

“To truly make a difference and to have persons in the community connect with us, we need to connect with them,” he said.

“Not just in the election cycle. We need to have permanent connections to the community.”

He said he planned to occupy the Opposition leader’s office “Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 — this is my full-time position”.

Mr Smith was unavailable for comment after the vote, and the OBA declined to provide a breakdown of the voting numbers.

Mr Pearman, the MP for Paget East (Constituency 22), said: “The OBA is ready to lead, and we now need to demonstrate to the Bermudian people that we are there for them and we can bring the solutions to the challenges that they face.”

Mr Fahy, the MP for Pembroke South West (Constituency 20), said the OBA would become “more invigorated under Robert’s leadership” and that he “wholeheartedly” supported Mr Pearman as deputy leader.

He explained: “We still come together and say, ‘what are we doing for the benefit of Bermuda?’

“That’s why we’re here, party politics is one thing, betterment for Bermuda is another”.

The night concluded with William Soares elected party chairman by acclamation.

Senator Victoria Cunningham, the party spokeswoman on education, health, justice, the Cabinet Office and digital innovation in the Senate, and political newcomer Jeremy Shrubb will serve as co-deputy chairpersons.