As he emerged from the East End Primary polling station last night, you never would have imagined that Kenneth Bascome had just given Premier Jennifer Smith a run for her money.

The usually animated United Bermuda Party candidate appeared quite subdued as the word spread around the tiny area that he had been defeated by his rival by a mere eight votes.

While Mr. Bascome received 415 votes, Ms Smith edged him out with 423. The Gombey Liberation Party's Gavin Smith garnered 16 votes.

"Congrats to the Premier," said Mr. Bascome.

Asked how he felt that he ran a tight race with the Premier, Mr. Bascome responded: "I didn't want to give her a run for her money. I wanted to win."

While 16 votes may have disheartening to some, Mr. Smith said he was pleased with his outcome in his first bid for Parliament. "This is just the beginning. I am happy for the votes I received. Look at how many people did not show up, yet look what happened.

"They've (the rival parties) have peaked. We're accelerating."

As he called his new-born political career "a fascinating experience", the 24-year-old said he had learned a lot in a short time.

"I've really had the chance to see how the big gangs worked. I'm learning more and more everyday."

And when asked whether he pictured himself running again in the future, Mr. Smith told The Royal Gazette: "Most definitely."

Ms Smith was in closed-door meetings at the PLP's Alaska Hall headquarters last night and was not available to comment on her narrow win.

Jennifer Smith (PLP) 423

Kenneth Bascome (UBP) 415

Gavin Smith (GLP) 16