After a high-profile campaign, Jeff Sousa was last night selected to represent the United Bermuda Party seat for Warwick West.

Mr. Sousa won out over UBP candidates Senator Jeanne Atherden and lifelong party supporter Roderick Simons with more than 150 people in attendance.

All three contenders were battling for one of the seats lost when former UBP member Mark Pettingill quit the party, along with Shawn Crockwell and Donte Hunt, to form the Bermuda Democratic Alliance (BDA).

The traditional UBP seat for constituency 28 is still held by Mr. Pettingill.

Speaking after last night's victory Mr. Sousa said: "I am very grateful and humbled by the support of the people of Warwick West and I will not let them down."

Former UBP Chairman Mr. Sousa opted for a maximum profile campaign and put up a giant banner saying: "I will work hard for Warwick, for Bermuda and for you. Vote Jeff Sousa."

He said the signs may have helped him in last night's race, but said he also dedicated time to speaking with residents about their concerns.

"My family has been in this area for more than 120 years so when I was canvassing I knew people's children and grand parents," Mr. Sousa explained.

"I believe the signs said it like it is. I will work hard for Warwick, for Bermuda, for you. Right to the point. But I wanted people to look at my last 30 years or community service."

Mr. Sousa, along with Sen. Atherden and Mr. Simons, made a speech at St. Mary's Church Hall last night, before branch members voted on their representative.

Mr. Sousa said crime was the number one concern for his constituents, followed by environmental concerns such as the controversial restaurant proposed at Warwick Long Bay.

"Everyone knows Jeff Sousa supports all 13, 440 aces of Bermuda," he said.

"But the real work starts tomorrow. I will continue to work hard in the constituency and now that I am the accepted contender I will work hard to reclaim the seat for the United Bermuda Party."

Branch Chairman Kim White said there was a great turn out last night, with only standing room available in the church hall.

All the constituents spoke very well, he added, and answered questions by UBP members.

Mr. White said: "I am delighted at the turn out of the branch members. They showed themselves who they wished to represent the party in this constituency.

"They have chosen an excellent candidate in Jeffrey Sousa to represent the branch but they had three excellent constituents to choose from."

UBP Leader Kim Swan said: "Congratulations to Jeff Sousa who makes no secret about his passion to represent Warwick West.

"He is hard working and brings a grassroots style that will serve him well as the work to comprehensively represent the people of Warwick must continue.

Mr. Swan added: "The contest demonstrates the interest in the United Bermuda Party and we are fortunate to have had Roddy Simons and Senator Jeanne Atherden contesting for the adoption, both of whom I sincerely thank for their contribution and commitment."