Finance Minister Paula Cox today launched her campaign to run for Premier in front of a large number of supporting Cabinet members and Progressive Labour Party MPs.

The Deputy Premier — long considered the hot favourite to replace Premier Ewart Brown when his four-year term finishes this October — told a press conference: “This next wave of PLP Government has to bring not just substance with style, we have to recapture some of the dizzying heights of the November 1998 aura.

“This we will do. We will reconnect and we will need all hands on deck: youth and experience, wisdom and wit and energy.

“We have a job to do and we will get on with it. Let us build one another — together.

“I believe that Bermuda will move forward together with this brand of leadership as we turn the page and start a new chapter.”

Those in attendance included Health Minister Walter Roban, Works Minister Derrick Burgess, Education Minister Elvin James, Telecommunications Minister Michael Scott, Attorney General Kim Wilson, Social Rehabilitation Minister Neletha Butterfield, former Premiers Dame Jennifer Smith and Alex Scott, backbenchers Patrice Minors and Wayne Furbert and Senators Walton Brown and Marc Bean.

Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney also released a statement this morning supporting Ms Cox, saying: “Minister Cox has served Bermuda exceptionally well and has lead by example.

“She has been a steady, stabilising political force who is widely respected among all segments of the community. Minister Cox will galvanize the Party and indeed the Country, because she evokes a unique level of comfort and confidence predicated upon work ethic, integrity and the general trust that she will always put Bermuda first.”

Sandys MP Terry Lister announced his leadership bid last week, while backbencher Dale Butler has also previously declared he’s interested in the post.

But Ms Cox is the overwhelming favourite, with many senior party members believing she’s effectively in line for a coronation to succeed Dr. Brown.