Andrew Simons is the One Bermuda Alliance’s chosen candidate for constituency 13, The Royal Gazette understands.

The young politician, who ran for Pembroke Central in 2012 but lost to Walton Brown, has been accepted to run for Devonshire North Central, party sources said last night.

The seat was held by the Progressive Labour Party’s Glenn Blakeney, who has announced his retirement.

Devonshire North Central is considered a marginal seat and if won by Mr Simons could prove a bonus for the Bermuda Government, which is expected to call an election within two years.

Anthony Francis had been tipped as the most likely OBA candidate. He has been canvassing the area since Mr Blakeney beat him to the seat, but this newspaper understands he will not run.

Mr Simons works in the insurance industry and is the son of former UBP Cabinet minister Gerald Simons.

He grew up in Spanish Point and attended Stanford University in California as a Bermuda Government Scholar. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in chemical engineering.

When he ran for Pembroke Central, the Royal Bermuda Regiment officer told his constituents: “The voters of Pembroke Central deserve a responsive candidate who will turn up and speak up ... I am running because I want to help build the foundations of a viable and vibrant society, a society in which people’s basic needs are met, a society in which people live with dignity in a community where we feel and understand the connections we have with one another.”

Speaking on issues of national interest, he mentioned public education, child-support payments and long-term care for seniors.