A former One Bermuda Alliance premier has urged the party to elect the “best leadership possible” at its annual conference tonight.

Michael Dunkley made the call as he endorsed Ben Smith and Scott Pearman for the positions of leader and deputy leader, respectively.

Mr Smith, the incumbent deputy leader, faces Robert King, the MP for Smith’s North (Constituency 10), to head the party.

Michael Fahy, the MP for Pembroke South West (Constituency 20) and the Shadow Minister of Municipalities and Housing, is also contesting the role of deputy leader.

Mr Dunkley told The Royal Gazette that since his retirement from the legislature in March 2024, he has steered clear of internal party politics.

However, he said he has “always been available to help Bermuda”.

He added: “With the sudden resignation of Jarion [Richardson] as leader, it is important that the party elects the best leadership possible from those that have put their names forward.”

Mr Dunkley, who began his service to Bermuda as a politician in April 1997, including as premier from May 2014 to July 2017, said he supported Mr Smith, the Shadow Minister of Education and Sport, because of his experience and performance in Parliament.

“In addition, he has helped Jarion rebuild the party and that work must continue,” he said.

“At the last election the OBA made significant gains and there is much more to be done.”

Mr Dunkley said: “Scott also has proven his ability to represent and is always well prepared and speaks forcefully in Parliament.

“This is the best team at this time and they have my support.”

He thanked Mr Richardson, the MP for Paget West (Constituency 23), for his service as party leader and said he was happy that the outgoing leader will remain as an MP.

This week, Douglas De Couto, the MP for Warwick North East (Constituency 25) and the Shadow Minister of Finance, also endorsed Mr Smith and Mr Pearman to lead the party.

His endorsement led to a call by Mr King and Mr Fahy for OBA members not to engage in “politics of personality” ahead of the party’s leadership contest tomorrow.

Dr De Couto said he endorsed Mr Smith based on his experience.

In a joint statement seen by the Gazette, the two said that the leadership contest was not about personalities or endorsements, but rather the future of the OBA and the island.

They said: “What we are focused on is putting forward a clear plan: rebuilding trust, strengthening our team and preparing to govern.”

In July, the OBA announced that Mr Richardson was stepping down from the leadership role.

Mr King was elected to the House of Assembly during a by-election in May 2024 — after Mr Dunkley resigned from politics and vacated the Smith’s North seat — and retained the constituency in the General Election this year.

Mr Smith, who has held the No 2 position since 2023, put himself forward for the leadership role last month when the leadership candidates were named by the OBA.

He was 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 won Smith’s South (Constituency 8) in a 2023 by-election and held the seat in the General Election this year.