A former finance minister who failed to oust David Burt from party leadership in 2022 will again ask delegates to back him for the top job, it has been reported.

Curtis Dickinson, who secured 56 votes to the Premier’s 97 in the contest almost four years ago, was said to have formally submitted his name as a candidate to take the reins of the Progressive Labour Party.

The news was reported by TNN, which said that the “significant political development” came during a PLP central committee meeting.

It is two months since Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, officially announced his candidacy for leadership, saying he had the full support of Zane DeSilva, the Deputy Premier.

The Royal Gazettereported in February 2025 that both Mr DeSilva and Mr Dickinson planned to run for leadership positions, according to sources within and close to the party.

The PLP’s constitution states that its party delegates decide the leader and deputy leader roles within the party

A leadership vote must be taken by October 2026 when the Premier’s term ends. Mr Burt has repeatedly said that he will not run again.

TNN reported that, according to its sources, there was “apprehension” at the announcement of Mr Dickinson’s candidacy “particularly regarding its reception by the Premier”, but that the challenge was ultimately accepted.

When Mr Dickinson entered the ring in the 2022 contest, he told the Gazette: “I confirm advising the party of my intention to put my name forward for the leadership.

“This is an internal PLP process, and I look forward to engaging with the delegates and members of the PLP in the coming days and weeks in advance of the annual general conference.”

Mr Dickinson, announced his shock resignation as Minister of Finance on February 14, 2022, about a week before the Budget.

He later said that the reasons for his decision to leave the Cabinet included him not being prepared to “compromise my principles” as finance minister.

Mr Dickinson added that the volume and form of government support for the redevelopment of the Fairmont Southampton were the primary reasons behind his decision.

In a statement to Parliament, Mr Dickinson insisted at the time that the Premier should not have claimed a $50 million guarantee to Gencom, the developers of the island’s largest resort, had been agreed in 2019.

“That is incorrect,” he said.

Mr Dickinson warned that extending tax concessions for the tourism industry could have “astounding” financial implications.

He said while he could support a guarantee for the Fairmont Southampton, it would need to be heavily scrutinised by MPs.

In his resignation letter to the Premier, he wrote: “For the majority of my tenure, we have worked together to deliver great value.

“Over the course of the last year, however, there has been a growing gap in our respective approaches on a number of key issues.

“Our country deserves a Minister of Finance who can work seamlessly with the Premier to advance its economic and fiscal interests.”

When Mr Hayward announced his bid for the leadership position at the party’s Founders Day event in February, he said that the decision was not made lightly.

He added then: “I make it grounded in service, I make it grounded in justice, I make it grounded in solidarity.”

Mr Hayward called Mr DeSilva onto the stage, stating: “We discussed how we can collectively build together, and I am humbled that my brother, the deputy leader, has indicated to me and pledged his support, his full support, to me running as leader.”

Mr Dickinson, Mr Hayward and the PLP have been contacted for comment.