Jason Hayward outlined his record of service and leadership at an event on Sunday where he emphasised the importance of unity within the Progressive Labour Party.

The Minister of Economy and Labour hosted the private dinner at Ocean View Golf Course as he prepares to enter the leadership contest for the party in October, and ultimately premier of the country.

Mr Hayward will go up against Curtis Dickinson, the former finance minister, after David Burt steps down from the top position.

The event was attended by members of “Team Hayward”, who it emerged included Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, and Neville Tyrrell, the Government Whip.

Mr Hayward distributed a booklet outlining his achievements from “introducing Bermuda’s first minimum wage to expanding employment opportunities for young Bermudians, modernising immigration rules and systems, supporting entrepreneurs, and laying the groundwork for a globally competitive economy”.

The booklet, with the subheading Building Together, Ready to Lead, also outlined his vision of “practical reform, economic growth with fairness, opportunities for Bermudians and modernisation with accountability.”

After his biography was read out to the audience, Mr Hayward took to the podium to say that he was humbled and proud.

According to a video of the event, he said that the evening was an opportunity to reflect on all that had been accomplished as well as where Bermuda must go as a country.

He said: “Leadership is forged through service, it is developed through sacrifice and it is earned through commitment.

“For me, my leadership journey began over two decades ago. I was simply a young man who believed ordinary people deserved opportunity, a voice and fairness.

“This campaign was never just about a leadership race; this campaign was about us collectively working together to build a movement that leads to a united and stronger PLP.

“This campaign has never been about me running against anyone. This campaign is about us running for a stronger economy and a better Bermuda.

“If we can work together in unity, we can accomplish so much more.”

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Booklet.pdf

Mr Hayward said that when he reached out to the Premier to tell him he was thinking about running for leader, Mr Burt responded, “You know I don’t take sides”.

Mr Hayward added: “However, then he said, ‘Jason, honestly, you have been my best minister, why not?’ ”

Ms Wilson said Mr Hayward possessed the “integrity, the vision and the collaborative approach that’s needed to unite our people, strengthen our party and move Bermuda forward”.

She added: “He also has a genuine commitment to serving the people of Bermuda. I have always found him to be very thoughtful, very approachable and willing to listen, even when perspectives differ.”

Mr Rabain said Mr Hayward reflected the ethos of the party — “fairness to all”. He said Mr Hayward would bring a “unified front” and encouraged all in attendance to promote support for him.

“Jason Hayward is the man who is going to keep our party grounded, keep us moving forward, and he is the man who is best suited at the time to be the leader of the PLP for the foreseeable future,” Mr Rabain added.

Mr Tyrrell said Mr Hayward did not shy away from the difficult decisions and insisted that his ability to lead was unquestionable.

Mr DeSilva said while Mr Hayward was known for his “quiet, respectful demeanour, he can fire when it is needed.”

He said the minister never quits, adding: “He will not leave us if we have some troubling times. He will not leave Cabinet if there are some things not going his way. He will not be one of those who does not attend to the House of Assembly because things don’t go his way.”

Mr Hayward announced his candidacy in February and said he would focus on strengthening social supports for the island’s most vulnerable.

Mr Dickinson has hosted a series of fireside chats during which he said he wanted honest and principled leadership based on integrity.