Robert King declared himself “deeply honoured” to have been elected leader of the One Bermuda Alliance on Saturday — while the Progressive Labour Party criticised him as a divisive figure.

Mr King added: “Thank you to the OBA members for your trust and support, and to my colleagues and campaign team for standing with me throughout this journey. I will not let you down.

“I would also like to thank the other candidates for putting themselves forward — public service takes courage, and our party is stronger for their contributions.

“This contest was never about personalities; it was about the future of the OBA and the future of Bermuda.”

Mr King referenced his leadership campaign strategy, which included town hall meetings and a monthly “open house” from the Opposition leader’s office.

In an interview this month with The Royal Gazette, Mr King outlined plans to build the party by establishing a youth wing and women’s commission.

In his post-election statement, Mr King said: “Now the real work begins. Through our first 100 days plan, the OBA will listen, engage and act, rebuilding trust, strengthening our team and preparing to take on the PLP with unity, courage and conviction.”

He added: “Together, we will deliver the strong, determined leadership that Bermuda deserves. Change starts now.”

Douglas De Couto, the MP for Warwick North East (Constituency 25) and the Shadow Minister of Finance, congratulated the new party leadership team.

He said: “We have a lot of work to do to get our country where it needs to be, and I am looking forward to getting that done with them.”

Dr De Couto also thanked former leader Jarion Richardson, former deputy leader Ben Smith and former party chair Lynne Woolridge for their dedication, hard work and commitment to the party and its mission.

“We have made immense progress over the past years, thanks to them,” he said.

He added: “I am also grateful for everyone that stood for a party position, whether or not they won.

“As I have said before, it’s a reflection of the high energy in the party, and the number of people willing to put in their time and energy to move our country forward.”

Mr Richardson, who continues as MP for Paget West (Constituency 23) was unavailable for comment yesterday.

A PLP statement highlighted that Mr King had been the seventh OBA leader to be elected in eight years, and said Bermudians would “by now know MP King’s style well”.

The party said his “loud” rhetoric since his election had contained errors.

The statement added: “Like most Bermudians, we believe that Bermuda doesn’t need more shouting; we need steady leadership that protects Bermudian families, fights to drive down the cost of living and works for all Bermudians and not just an elite, privileged few.”