A United Bermuda Party newcomer claimed victory in Southampton West Central last night, confirming that the constituency is a Southampton stronghold for the Opposition.

Jon Brunson, 41, netted 496 votes, or 57 percent of ballots cast. PLP Senator Michael Scott, 53, who ran three times in the old Southampton West constituency, garnered picked up votes.

Mr. Brunson said he was overwhelmed with emotion when counting finished at Mount Zion AME Church just before 10 p.m.

"I'm just trying to take it all in," he said.

Mr. Brunson, a human resources manager for Orbis Investment Management, lives in the constituency and grew up in nearby Southampton East. He began canvassing in February and said he had visited 89 percent of registered voters.

"My objective was knowing them as a new candidate," he explained.

The father of two said he was particularly interested in youth issues and redeveloping a sense of community in the area.

The defeated Mr. Scott congratulated his opponent. "Jon worked extremely hard," Mr. Scott said. "He's done extremely well."

Mr. Scott was unable to canvass the constituency until early June, after the election was called.

He said the redistricting did not favour his bid, either. Southampton West Central has about 600 fewer voters than the old Southampton West did, and many of those voters lived in areas such as Whaling Hill and Rose Hill where the PLP enjoyed strong support.

Mr. Scott said he would serve again in the Senate if he asked.

The turnout was 79 percent. There were four spoiled ballots.