Marc Bean, Devrae Noel-Simmons and Sylvan Richards are the only three candidates in the race to replace former Premier Ewart Brown in Warwick South Central.

Parliamentary Registrar Randy Scott yesterday confirmed no Independents had thrown their hat into the ring on Nomination Day ahead of the by-election on Wednesday, December 15.

Progressive Labour Party candidate Mr Bean, a former senator and close ally of Dr Brown, is considered the strong favourite in a seat won comfortably by the former Premier in both General Elections since it was created.

Many observers say the real contest will be for second place, with Bermuda Democratic Alliance claiming the United Bermuda Party will be politically irrelevant if it comes last.

UBP candidate Mr Noel-Simmons, a body builder and security guard, has been a controversial selection, with older party members angry he was chosen despite a drugs conviction less than two years ago.

Mr Richards, of the BDA, a former PLP supporter and insurance worker, is another political newcomer.

At the 2007 election, Dr Brown defeated Roderick Simons of the UBP by 562 votes to 252. The seat became vacant when Dr Brown stepped down as Premier and resigned as an MP at the end of last month.