Robert King: the rapid rise of a successful ‘disrupter’
Robert King, the MP for Smith’s North (Constituency 10), assumed the leadership of the One Bermuda Alliance in September last year after a campaign in which he announced plans to strengthen the party and host monthly forums.
Mr King was a political newcomer when he was elected to the House of Assembly in May 2024 after he prevailed in a by-election in Smith’s North.
A month earlier, he said many would have been surprised when he threw his hat in the ring to contest the by-election.
In an opinion piece in the The Royal Gazette, he said: “To some, it may have come as a surprise to see me entering the political ring as the candidate for Constituency 10 — Smith’s North.
“But for those who know me, you know that besides being a man who carries himself with the utmost integrity, I am passionate about advocating for the betterment of the people of Bermuda.”
He said while he was not involved in politics for a long time, he kept his “finger on the pulse and I am well aware of the topics which are at the fore of the heads and hearts of the people of Bermuda”.
They included the cost of living, health costs, the lack of availability of affordable housing and immigration reform.
Robert King received a Bachelor of Arts degree in social sciences from Laurentian University in Ontario, Canada.
He worked in Canada’s correctional and youth care systems, serving in a group home and as a correctional officer.
After returning to Bermuda in 1996, he worked with the Department of Corrections as a basic officer and a case worker for the department’s drug abuse programme.
He worked as a probation officer in 2001, and in 2003 became a senior probation officer, a position he held for 20 years.
During this time, Mr King also served as chair of the Bermuda Public Services Union.
He further serves as deputy chair of the Committee of 25, a charity that supports children with special medical needs.
In the Smith’s North by-election, Mr Smith gained 209 votes, edging independent candidate and former premier Sir John Swan, who took 184 votes and pushed the Progressive Labour Party’s Lindsay Simmons into third place with 181 votes.
In his maiden speech in the House of Assembly in June that year, he said politicians have a duty to serve their people and do what is in the best interest of the country, not what is best for themselves.
He frequently addressed national security issues at the time, although he held the portfolio of Shadow Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors.
At the General Election in February last year, Mr King was returned to the House of Assembly by voters in Constituency 10.
He pledged to “do the difficult” work having gained 303 votes, while Ms Simmons won 286 and Sir John 170.
Mr King then assumed the portfolio of Shadow Minister of National Security and for the Cabinet Office and Innovation.
He continued to address national security issues including violent crime and road accidents. He also addressed the state of facilities such as the prisons and customs.
Last August, he announced his plans to run for the leadership of the OBA after the resignation of Jarion Richardson a month earlier.
At the time, Mr King said he had become a successful “disrupter” since joining the political scene in 2024.
He said this would help him in his campaign against Ben Smith — then deputy leader of the OBA — for the leadership of the party.
On September 6, Mr King was elected party leader after the election at the Vasco da Gama Club.
After he was sworn in as Opposition leader, Mr King said he was confident that the OBA would continue to grow, attracting new members, new voices and new energy.
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