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 this week.

A party insider, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Royal Gazette yesterday that Mr Dickinson had indeed entered the leadership fray and informed the party internally.

The source said there was some “pushback” within the PLP when Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, officially announced his candidacy two months ago.

A camp was said to have formed in support of Mr Dickinson to ensure the MP for Pembroke Central (Constituency 17) did not run unopposed.

Mr Hayward made his announcement with the support of Zane DeSilva, the Deputy Premier — a move the source suggested was viewed as premature by some in the Dickinson camp.

The source, considered a political pundit, said that Mr Hayward had captured the support of the newer political players, those brought into the fold by Mr Burt — such as Alexa Lightbourne, Owen Darrell and Jaché Adams.

It was said that the more “politically astute” viewed Mr Dickinson, the MP for Pembroke South East (Constituency 21), as carrying the qualities needed in today’s global climate.

The source said: “Among the more mature group, the feeling is that Curtis is more statesmanlike and more effective on an international scale as opposed to Jason.

“Curtis seems to be more steady, which is important in these climes, not just in terms of the events of [US president Donald] Trump, but also movements in the EU in particular.

“There seems to be a feeling that he has arrived at the right time.

“With respect to Curtis, domestically he might need a bit more groundwork in terms of connecting with people, but his supporters believe that is surmountable because of his background and how he has been keeping in touch with the branches.

“Jason does not really have an advantage over Curtis in terms of being in touch at the grassroots level, but he certainly does have allies among the key branches anchoring him.”

The source said that while Mr Dickinson is inviting support “across the board”, Mr Hayward is focusing on those who already back him.

“Curtis is not going to be divisive in his campaign,” the source said. “David Burt is instrumental in trying to get delegates to line up behind his appointees.”

The 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.

A leadership vote must be held by October, when the Premier’s term ends. Mr Burt has said repeatedly 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 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, he insisted at the time that the Premier should not have claimed that a $50 million guarantee to Gencom, the developer 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 on to 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 were contacted for comment, but none was received by the time of publication.