United Bermuda Party chairman Shawn Crockwell was yesterday unveiled as the party’s new candidate — but the man beaten to the post last night launched an attack on the party.

Veteran politician Erwin Adderley hit out at UBP Leader Michael Dunkley for comments made at a press conference introducing Mr. Crockwell as the candidate for the seat of former member Jamahl Simmons, who quit in a race row in January.

Mr. Adderley, 67, had long been championed for the Pembroke West seat by a faction looking to oust Mr. Simmons.

Last night, he told The Royal Gazette he strongly disputes Mr. Dunkley’s claim that he “continues to be a big supporter of the party”.

He said he resigned his position from the Constituency 18 executive committee after losing out to Mr. Crockwell. He had told the party he was not willing to run in another constituency and had made it clear he was not prepared to help with Mr. Crockwell’s work in the constituency.

Mr. Adderley said: “He (Mr. Dunkley) said that I am in support of the party. The fact is shortly thereafter I resigned as a member of Constituency 18’s executive committee.

“I was approached by somebody on behalf of the party and asked if I would be interested in running in another constituency. I said I was not interested.

“I don’t know what basis the conclusion was taken that I continue to support the party. There was no reason to refer to me. For them to imply that I’m going to support him and everything is hunky-dory is not borne out in the facts.

“I was asked if I was prepared to help Mr. Crockwell in the constituency. I indicated I was not as I didn’t have the time.”

When contacted last night, the Opposition Leader seemed surprised by the stinging comments from Mr. Adderley.

Mr. Dunkley said: “I have spoken to Mr. Adderley and I would be disappointed if he didn’t want to be a supporter of the party. Just because you’re not chosen doesn’t mean your support for the party should wane. Mr. Adderley put his name forward along with Mr. Crockwell and the committee chose Mr. Crockwell.”

Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Crockwell, 36, said: “I regard this as a privilege. I’m thrilled to be introduced as a UBP candidate in Bermuda and, more specifically, Pembroke West.

“I regard this as my duty to offer myself as a representative and a voice for the people of Pembroke West and Bermuda.”

Introducing Mr. Crockwell, Mr. Dunkley claimed the party needed to “rebuild relationships” absent in the constituency during the past two years of Mr. Simmons’ tenure.

It is understood key UBP figures believe Mr. Simmons did not provide a visible enough presence in the constituency.

Mr. Dunkley said: “Shawn Crockwell will get on their doorstep and build relationships like they have not seen in this constituency for the last couple of years.”

Responding last night, Mr. Simmons, now an independent MP, pointed to poll results from last August, which showed a majority in the black and white community were satisfied with his level of canvassing and had noticed it increased during 2006.

“Why they continue to perpetuate the lie that I did not work in the constituency when they have proof otherwise says more about their character than it does about me,” said Mr. Simmons.

“I am very proud of the work that I have done in the constituency, particularly under the circumstances and the opposition I faced (within the UBP).”

Mr. Dunkley described Mr. Crockwell as a young man who would bring tremendous passion to the role — a trait he has displayed through a keen political interest since a young teenager.

Mr. Crockwell confirmed that, if elected, he would step down from his role as chairman to concentrate on constituency issues.

The father-of-three served a prison sentence more than a decade ago after he stole $600,000 of heroin while working as a Supreme Court clerk.

While in prison, he earned a law degree, and since being released he says he has been trying to repay his debt by serving the community. He is currently a mentor with Youth Net and a volunteer with drugs and alcohol prevention groups CADA and PRIDE. Asked about his “rocky” past yesterday, he replied: “My experience and those challenges has taught me what’s most important in life. It’s inspired me to give back.”

Mr. Crockwell has previously admitted to flirting with the idea of joining the Progressive Labour Party.

On this point, he said yesterday: “I believe in one Bermuda. I don’t think the PLP represents Bermuda. I think they represent one segment of Bermuda.”

Speaking about his political views, Mr. Crockwell said: “Politics for me is the avenue to bring about change to improve the lives of people. And I think I’ve learned enough to know that no politician is worth his salt unless he works hard to represent the people who elected him.

“My commitment to the people of Pembroke West is total. I will not ever take them for granted, and will serve at their pleasure.”