Ben Smith and Robert King to contest OBA leadership race
The One Bermuda Alliance’s deputy leader will face a colleague who became an MP about 15 months ago in the contest for party leadership.
The announcement came shortly before the party released the names of contenders for a series of its executive positions.
Ben Smith, who has held the No 2 position since 2023, has put himself forward for the role, as has Robert King, who triumphed against former premier Sir John Swan in his bid for a House of Assembly seat.
It was announced last month that a new OBA leader would be elected on September 6, when the party holds its annual meeting.
Jarion Richardson will step down from the post then, as well as from the position of Leader of the Opposition. He will continue to serve as the MP for Paget West (Constituency 23).
Michael Fahy and Scott Pearman have put themselves forward for the role of deputy leader, while Victoria Cunningham, Geoffrey Faiella and Jeremy Shrubb will vie for deputy chairman.
William Soares is to become the party chairman by acclamation, effective at the party meeting next month.
Lynne Woolridge, the OBA’s acting chairwoman, said this afternoon: “The names of all candidates for the relevant positions in the upcoming leadership elections will be released to all members today.
“Ben Smith and Robert King have stepped forward for the position of leader.
“All candidates are wished the best of luck at our September 6 conference.”
Mr King, the Shadow Minister of National Security, and the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, said today that he was “honoured” to put himself forward for consideration as OBA leader.
He added: “This is a critical moment for our party and for Bermuda.
“We need to present an alternative to the Progressive Labour Party that is both principled and practical, rooted in service, unity and solutions that improve the lives of all Bermudians.
“My focus as leader will be on engaging with our members, strengthening our team and rebuilding the trust and connection that are essential to winning the confidence of the public.
“Over the weeks ahead, I look forward to listening, learning and sharing my vision for how the OBA can be a modern, inclusive and effective voice for Bermuda's future.”
Son of late entertainer Hubert Smith Sr, Mr Smith grew up in Southampton and has lifelong connections to the parish.
He co-owns Nonna’s Kitchen with wife Katerina and served on the bipartisan Committee on Immigration Reform for more than two years.
Mr Smith is Bermuda’s national swim coach and was swim captain at Springfield College.
Jarion Richardson, outgoing OBA leader, said Mr Smith was “forthright and backs it up with virtue, he speaks from the heart, he works with principles — he is a real team player.”
Leah Scott, former OBA deputy leader, said Mr Smith was “a son of the soil” who wanted to take Bermuda to the next level.
Mr King became the MP for Smith’s North (Constituency 10) in a by-election in May 2024, when he took 209 votes.
Sir John, who ran as an independent, attracted 184 votes in that contest and the PLP’s Lindsay Simmons won 181.
Mr King held the seat in the General Election this year, when he claimed almost 40 per cent of the votes cast.
Born to a Bermudian father and Jamaican mother, Mr King’s early years took him to Britain, Antigua and Barbados before he settled in Bermuda.
With a BA in social sciences (law and justice) from Laurentian University in Ontario, his professional career began in Canada’s correctional and youth care systems.
Returning to Bermuda in 1996, Mr King joined the Department of Corrections as a basic officer.
From 2001 to 2003, he served as a probation officer with the Department of Court Services, before advancing to senior probation officer.
Mr King is a former chairman of the Bermuda Public Services Union.
A spokesman added: “He serves as deputy chairperson of the Committee of 25, a charity supporting children with special medical needs.”
Mr King has been married to wife Miriam for 15 years.
Mr Smith, the Shadow Minister of Education, was elected as the OBA’s deputy leader at a general conference of the party in December 2023.
He held Smith’s South (Constituency 8) in the 2025 General Election, when he attracted 605 votes compared with the 195 cast for Lauren Hayward Bell, of the PLP.
Mr Smith first won the seat in a by-election in 2023, having been earlier an MP in Southampton West Central (Constituency 31), which he lost to the PLP’s Crystal Caesar in the 2020 General Election.
Mr Smith was contacted but was unavailable for comment, and is expected to speak at a later date.
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