An afternoon of formal tea has been organised as a salute to the women of the Progressive Labour Party.

Cindy Swan said the afternoon soirée on September 23, billed as a “mother and daughter sip of tea”, would also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the PLP's first election victory in 1998.

Dame Jennifer Smith, the former premier who led the PLP to its landslide victory on November 9, 1998, said she had prepared an address for the occasion on “women, women in politics and women in the party”.

The high tea at the Island Brasserie in the Rosewood Bermuda resort will run from 3pm to 5pm under the patronage of Kristin Burt, the wife of David Burt, the Premier, as well as Wanda Brown and Olga Scott, the wives of former premiers Ewart Brown and Alex Scott.

Ms Swan, the wife of Kim Swan, the MP for St George's West, said the formal event “celebrates the anniversary of the date with destiny under Dame Jennifer's leadership, along with the unsung heroes of the PLP premiers' wives”.

She added: “There is an adage that behind every successful man is a great woman.

“The spouses of premiers are oftentimes the unsung heroes of the political leader — providing support, guidance and much needed strength behind the scenes. They are the ones who keep the family together during the rigorous cut and thrust of politics.”

Ms Swan said the teatime, which called for “chic attire”, was also a nod to tradition.

“When I was a young girl, I went to a lot of teas with my grandmother and mother.

“I am trying to reintroduce the tradition of mothers and daughters having a cup of tea together, dressed up, if they choose, with hat and gloves.”

The tea, for the constituencies of St George's North and West, will help fund “various events to be held in St George's”, she added.

The high tea is $50 for adults, $30 for children under 12, and $1,000 for corporate tables of eight.

•Tickets can be purchased on www.ptix.bm, PLP constituency 2 Executive members or Ms Swan, at 535-9801