Senator Marc Bean has been chosen to fight the Southampton West Central by-election for the Progressive Labour Party.

The poll, set for Thursday, December 4, follows the resignation of United Bermuda Party MP Jon Brunson.

Mr. Bean, who is a Government consultant specialising in CARICOM and aviation, fought the seat at the December election and came in 142 votes behind Mr. Brunson, who increased his majority slightly.

But an upbeat Mr. Bean said yesterday: "I am in it to win it."

Premier Ewart Brown said a by-election would mean all the party's resources could be poured into winning the seat.

The UBP will announce their candidate today from a panel of five candidates - Jeff Sousa, Wayne Scott, Senator Michael Dunkley, Senator Charlie Swan and Roderick Simons

United Bermuda Party chairman Michael Fahy said: "The selection process was extended over the past week with interviews with five candidates vying for the opportunity to represent the people of Constituency 31. It has been a remarkably positive exercise.

"The United Bermuda Party has put forward outstanding candidates in Southampton over the years and this will continue tomorrow."

Insiders say the choice will give an indication of who is winning the power struggle between reformers and traditionalists, with traditionalist Sen. Swan thought to be the frontrunner.

The reform group, which includes at least seven MPs, have been buoyed by the recent selection of Trevor Moniz as Deputy Leader and the appointment of Mark Pettingill as caucus chairman.

MP Shawn Crockwell said: "I don't want to speak before a decision is made but I think the decision will have a major impact on which way our party goes."

Reformers are also said to have been blind-sided by Mr. Brunson's resignation which they fear gave more traditionalist candidates the edge in wooing the selection committee.

There is no news yet on who will replace John Barritt, who has indicated he wants to step down as Party Whip.

The by-election – only the second since Bermuda moved to smaller, single-seat constituencies – could also become a referendum on Dr. Brown's popularity after a September poll gave him performance approval ratings of just 18 percent.

And the poll could also become a three-horse race with All Bermuda Congress representative Khalid Wasi likely to stand.

Yesterday Mr. Bean, who describes himself as a grassroots community activist who could also function at the highest level of Government, said if elected he would work for those who voted for him and those who didn't.

"Constituency 31 is a vibrant constituency and I enjoyed it last time I had the opportunity to canvass."

Asked about the Opposition majority he said it was viewed as a UBP marginal.

"Nothing is guaranteed. Relatively safe seat? I don't think so, I think one of the drawbacks in my last campaign is that I wasn't in the Senate then.

"Very few of the constituents knew me. Now I have had a chance to serve in the Senate hopefully they will be able to judge according to who they think will be the right candidate."

Locally he said the issues were crime and safety, infrastructure and open space while national issues such as Bermuda's social fabric and the economic situation would also be important.