Nicholas Swan the son of former Premier Sir John Swan was yesterday named deputy chairman of the United Bermuda Party.

And Montell Currin the grandson of Progressive Labour Party founding member Hugh (Rio) Richardson was elected one of two other deputies at the party's annual general meeting on Tuesday, along with former election candidate Ed Bailey.

The Royal Gazette understands Tillman Darrell was also named as the UBP candidate for Pembroke Central, a seat held by Government MP Wayne Perinchief but not considered an automatic victory for the PLP at the next General Election.

Former PLP Senator Walton Brown has already stated his interest in challenging Mr Perinchief in Constituency 17.

And Opposition Senator Suzann Roberts-Holshouser is said to have been switched from St David's to St George's South, where she will take on incumbent Donte Hunt of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance and the PLP's Leroy Bean for a seat all three parties think they can win.

Mr Swan, an approved candidate expected to also run in the next election, told a press conference yesterday: “I grew up in the UBP. For me, this is a bit of a homecoming, a very welcome one.

“We are the only Opposition party if an election was called tomorrow who would be ready to form a Government to move this Country forward.”

He said the UBP is the only party to represent Bermuda's diversity and could emulate the movement President Barack Obama had achieved in the US.

Mr Swan, whose father led the UBP and Bermuda from 1982 to 1995, told

The Royal Gazette he had been involved with the UBP since returning to the Island ten years ago and feels ready to step up after serving as a City of Hamilton councillor for more than a year.

He said he could not have a better mentor and friend than Sir John, saying: “My father did a tremendous amount of good for Bermuda. He is a consummate statesman.”

Asked if he would run at the next election, Mr Swan replied: “There's definitely room for discussion on that.”

Mr Currin's grandfather was the first chairman of the PLP; his garage was used as a meeting place by the group that formed the party in 1963.

Mr Richardson later became the first President of the Senate in its current form, although he sat as an Independent.

Mr Currin, a paralegal and legal student at Lynda Milligan-Whyte's law firm, said: “This is a different period from when my grandfather formed the PLP.

“I was brought up, 40 years in the PLP. However, their interest is not in the youth of Bermuda. They don't want to give the young generation an opportunity to take the party where it needs to go, whereas the UBP is.

“I appreciate the UBP recognise my talent and potential and they are willing to groom me and allow me to grow. We the Opposition have a great responsibility to the people of Bermuda who we are aware are dissatisfied with Government.

“We will not fall aside as some may wish. We will continue to hold fast and show our passion, dedication and determination.”

Party chairman Senator Jeanne Atherden unveiled the UBP's new executive yesterday, revealing Janet Bridgewater stays as secretary and Richard Krupp treasurer.

Sen Atherden said the party would put more emphasis on communicating through Facebook, newsletters and its website, while shadow boards have been set up to help develop policies; she said the party is also currently recruiting and training more candidates.

Asked about accusations the UBP is dying a slow death, Sen Atherden told the media: “We have new people joining us. In the coming days, you will see us rolling out some more candidates, letting people know we are alive and well, joining us in our growing.”