Zane DeSilva has described his aspirations to become leader of the Progressive Labour Party and Premier of the country as “the worst-kept secret in Bermuda”.

The deputy leader, who is also the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, told The Royal Gazette that if he were handed the keys to the Premier’s office tomorrow, he would focus on making changes that help to reduce the cost of living including affordable housing, debt reduction and driving the economy forward.

Mr DeSilva, who spelt out his desire to lead in an interview this week with political podcast The News Navigators, declared himself ready for the job that will become available next year after the departure of David Burt from the top job.

He said yesterday: “I get asked that question all the time, if I wish to be the leader of the PLP or the Premier of the country. The answer to both of those questions is yes.

“I am the deputy at this present time in my life, it is still another year before the sitting premier leaves.

“A lot can happen in a year — I just need to keep on doing what I am doing. As a leader of the country, I would need to keep on the path.”

Mr DeSilva added: “I think the PLP has been on a great path over the last several years.

“Will we make mistakes? Yes, we will make some mistakes, but if you look at our record overall, we have done a pretty good job at running the country and I just think that needs to continue.”

Speaking on the most pressing issues facing Bermuda, Mr DeSilva added: “We would have to talk about housing, we have to talk about debt, we have to talk about job security for our people and driving the economy.”

Mr DeSilva gained the backing of delegates in a three-way contest to become deputy leader of the PLP in March, seeing off competition from fellow MPs Diallo Rabain and Michael Weeks.

Mr DeSilva edged out Mr Weeks 71-67, with Mr Rabain having dropped out after the first round.

Mr DeSilva said that he likened political parties to football teams.

“I look at us in the political arena … Regardless of which side you are on, you train, you hope to make the team and after you make the team, what do you want to do next?

“You want to become captain of the team. It has always been in the back of my mind.

“Earlier this year, our delegates made a decision that they had the confidence in me to become deputy which I am very honoured and proud of. We will see what the future holds — it’s the delegates who control who the leader is.”

Mr DeSilva has served as an MP since 2007, in roles as a minister in the health, tourism, social development and sport portfolios.

He has led efforts, along with the Bermuda Housing Corporation, to create affordable housing in Bermuda since assuming his latest ministerial portfolio, including most recently a residential development on Middle Town Lane in Pembroke.

He said that his ministerial roles have prepared him well for political leadership.

“Any minister that might have aspirations to become leader of the party and leader of the country when they are running their ministry, I think it’s important for them to show that they are capable and that they can produce results.

“When someone decides to pick a leader of a party and or the country, one has to look at their record. If one has a good record of working hard, is passionate and has a lot of drive to be successful, I think that that person should be looked at seriously.”

Mr DeSilva’s time in politics has not been without controversy. He was embroiled in the $800,000 loan provided by the Government to Savvy Entertainment to create a recording studio in April 2018.

The studio never materialised and the loan was not paid back.

While serving as tourism and transport minister in 2020, he quit along with Wayne Caines, then national security minister, after they attended a lavish party in violation of Covid-19 regulations.

However, Mr DeSilva, who is the boss at Island Construction Services and the MP for Southampton East (Constituency 29), has been described by his party as a community advocate and philanthropist.

When winning the PLP’s deputy leadership challenge, he said he knew “the heartbeat” of the people of Bermuda, adding, “I don’t forget where I came from”.

He said a lot of work is now being done on the Landlord and Tenant Act and that he has been working closely with Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, and Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment.

“We are close to laying something in the House,” Mr DeSilva hinted. “You will know that that Act hasn’t been looked at in a very long time.

“When that Act does come, you will see there are changes that will not only assist the tenants, but the landlords, too, because historically, there has always been a challenge.

“What is needed is a mechanism for quicker resolutions between the two parties when there are challenges. That’s it; streamline the process.”

Speaking on reducing the cost of living, he added: “We have made good strides in that area.

“Minister Alexa is talking to all the stakeholders and she will make some announcements soon that hopefully will make things a little easier and better for our people.”

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