Jarion Richardson is to step down as Leader of the Opposition as well as leader of the One Bermuda Alliance, it was announced this afternoon.

The move will take effect from September 6, the party said.

A statement added: “However, he will continue to be the Member of Parliament for Constituency 23, Paget West.”

Mr Richardson said: “Leadership is not a reward — it is a commitment, an action and a responsibility. And I’m happy and proud to have served in those ways.

“This resignation is a deliberate handover, giving an aspiring new leadership team the time to form and build on what I built, and what was built before me.”

The OBA statement added: “Since becoming Opposition and One Bermuda Alliance leader in August 2023, Mr Richardson has led the party through a process of strategic renewal, including the launch of a national platform, internal reform and the expansion of civic engagement efforts.

“His tenure saw the revival of the party’s policy framework, organisational infrastructure, and outreach across the island.”

It added that the move was a “carefully chosen transition”.

Mr Richardson said: “The next phase of this party’s growth — execution, energy, endurance — requires new leadership.

“I leave not in protest, but with peace.

“My work in public service continues, and I remain committed to governance, accountability and the people of Paget West.”

The OBA will host its annual general meeting on September 6, when new leadership will be elected.

It said that Mr Richardson pledged his full support for the transition.

The OBA thanked Mr Richardson for his “service, leadership and lasting contributions to the institution of Opposition and to Bermuda’s democratic process”.

Mr Richardson was elected by acclamation as the leader of the OBA in December 2023 after he ran unchallenged for the post.

He had been appointed as interim leader when Cole Simons retired from politics in August that year.

After he was sworn-in as Leader of the Opposition — a post separate to party leader — he said that the OBA’s values were focused on “inclusivity, integrity and financial prudence”.

He added: “Our vision is of ample economic opportunity for all and a world-class education.

“We are not going to interpret the best interests for Bermuda through an ideology.”

Mr Richardson joined the OBA as a senator in February 2020 and became an MP for Paget West in the October 2020 General Election.

He held the seat in the General Election that took place in February this year.

Although the OBA was defeated, it did gain four seats from the ruling Progressive Labour Party.

Mr Richardson described the result as a springboard to victory next time around.

He said: “While we may have lost this battle, we are not defeated. We will be back in four years, stronger, more united and even more determined.”

Asked about his own political future, he at the time that said stepping down as party leader was “not on my radar”.

He added: “Anybody is welcome to challenge for the leadership.

“It’s a very rigorous, transparent process that requires the participation of the whole party. But Bermuda will never go to bed one night and wake up in the morning and suddenly find there’s a new leader of the One Bermuda Alliance.

“That would only happen if I were to stand down and I have no intention of doing so. There’s still too much work to be done.”