A grassroots campaigner for the Progressive Labour Party has been hailed as one of the party’s architects in Devonshire.

Ann Webb helped cement the party’s presence in the parish in a group of “close-knit neighbours and cousins”, a party statement said.

When the PLP formed in 1963, each parish established its own party branch — with Ms Webb honoured as “one of the last” of its original Devonshire members.

“Long before the advent of WhatsApp and e-mail, branch members walked all around their respective parishes knocking on doors, some friendly, others not so friendly, listening to what was on the hearts and minds of thousands of Bermudians,” the party said.

“They organised bake sales and potluck dinners on a monthly basis in order to raise funds.

“Door by door, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, they gained the trust of the people, not by slick words but by their deeds and dedication.”

Ms Webb was among party faithful in Devonshire with a group that included labour activist “Comrade” Richard Lynch, Leonie Richards, Burnell Henry, Rita Peniston, Marion Robinson and Dame Lois Browne-Evans.

The party said: “Her countless years of service saw the then Devonshire North become a political stronghold held for decades by her first cousin, the late Dame Lois Browne-Evans and the late L. Frederick Wade.

“Her unwavering guidance and mentorship paved the way for the PLP to continuously hold the majority of seats in Devonshire.

“We will for ever be in her debt.”