Communication, political education and succession are the three main pillars of a backbench MP’s bid to become the next deputy leader of the Progressive Labour Party.

Lawrence Scott said that an informed electorate formed the basis of good governance — a key feature of his campaign.

Grounded in his belief that “a strong Bermuda begins with a strong PLP”, the theme of his campaign is “Members’ Voices. Party Action”.

Mr Scott, who confirmed his candidacy last week, said he had spent several months speaking directly with PLP members and delegates who had communicated that they want more cohesion within the party.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, and Michael Weeks, the former Minister of National Security, have said that they would contest the deputy leader role, with a vote scheduled for October.

Meanwhile, Zane DeSilva, the incumbent deputy party leader who is Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing and Municipalities, is expected to make an announcement on whether he will seek re-election.

Mr Scott, the son of former premier Alex Scott, said: “I believe with communication comes education, and when you have the education, you have succession.

“I believe the party needs practical systems, clearer communication between branches and leadership, as well as proper follow-up on issues members raise.

“Right now, the party’s voice is somewhat silent because the only people seemingly speaking for the party are the government ministers. The party members and executives need to have their voices out there.

“I want to strengthen members’ understanding of the party’s history, values, policies, constitution and the responsibilities that come with public service.

“That way, we can bring more people to the party as they will want to be on the ground floor of making sure Bermuda works for them.

“That also speaks to succession and ensuring institutional knowledge is passed on.”

Mr Scott said he would support a fund for PLP stalwarts and would present a vision of how party financing could be improved to strengthen the organisation.

On a national level, he highlighted the importance of transport, a sector in which he has professional experience and which backs tourism and food security.

The MP said that he was strong supporter of Bermuda becoming a full member of the Caribbean Community.

“Caricom is a region of 44 million individuals from manufacturing nations,” he pointed out.

“If we were to have direct relationships, we could drive down the cost of living by shortening the middle mile.”

As the chief executive of ScottsCraft, a luxury jet concierge service that can bring goods into Bermuda and is looking to connect the island to the Caribbean, he said his business interests were declared on the Parliamentary Register of Interest.

Mr Scott added that ScottsCraft had a team behind him that could run operations with a blind trust — a means of separating a beneficiary from their own money — if necessary.

“I have no problem being transparent,” he said.

Mr Scott, who served as transport minister from October 2020 to October 2022, is the MP for Warwick South East (Constituency 24).

He most recently won the seat in the February 2025 General Election with 346 votes against the One Bermuda Alliance’s Tarik Smith (262) and independent Lauren Francis (98).

Mr Scott was sacked as transport minister only days after David Burt saw off a challenge from former finance minister Curtis Dickinson for the party leadership.

Mr Scott also previously served as Government Whip as well as chairman of the register of members’ interests committee.

He said: “My experience as whip taught me that unity does not mean the absence of disagreement.

“It means being able to disagree honestly, reach decisions and continue working together while maintaining trust.”

He said he had no problem with the Premier removing him as transport minister and would support whichever leader was elected in October.

“I don’t want to be a deputy leader of a faction within the PLP, but of the party as a whole,” he said.

The PLP faces a major change in October when Mr Burt steps down as leader at the delegates’ conference.

In April, Mr Dickinson, a backbencher, put his name forward to succeed Mr Burt after Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, announced his bid for the leadership position at the party’s Founders Day event in February.

Mr Scott added: “I attended both Curtis’s and Jason’s events. I can work constructively with whoever the members elect as leader and I respect everyone who has offered themselves for deputy leader.

“My distinction is that I began by listening to members and allowing those discussions to shape my platform.

“I’m encouraged by the support I’m receiving publicly, from the branches and the delegates.”

He said the time to run for deputy was now because his business pursuits had placed him in a sound financial position, while his three decades of service in aviation and managerial experience at the Rosewood Bermuda had put him in good stead.

“My father taught me, first you learn, then you earn and then you serve,” he said.

Following a period of grieving for his mother Olga Scott, who passed away in 2022, Mr Scott said he had been working hard in his constituency while chairing the cybersecurity joint select committee and standing in for the party where needed.

As for whether he has the leadership aspirations of his father, Mr Scott said: “One job at a time.

“Now I am focused on deputy leader and making sure I give my all and do that right.”

He added: “I want to give thanks to my family and my branch, as it was their support that got me to put my name forward in the first place, as well as the wider PLP family and the constituents.

“It has been very inspiring.”