The Progressive Labour Party warned on Monday that the resignation of a former One Bermuda Alliance leader marks a crisis for the Opposition.

Robert King, who was ousted from leadership in February six months after being sworn in, announced his decision to quit the party and sit as an independent.

Mr King, who was Shadow Minister of Justice, said he would continue to represent his constituents of Smith’s North in the House of Assembly, free from limitations he sees within party politics.

The OBA has said while it respects Mr King’s decision, Bermudians are contending with “more important issues” and need leadership that “puts Bermuda first”.

A PLP spokesman said: “Robert King MP was elected as leader of the OBA by its membership less than a year ago.

“The events since then, including his forced removal from that post by his former colleagues, speak for themselves.

“This resignation creates a significant crisis for the Opposition and further undermines their already diminished viability and effectiveness.

“For our part, the PLP will engage with MP King as we would any Member of Parliament as we continue our work to tackle the cost of living and expand opportunities for Bermudians.”

Mr King was sworn in as Leader of the Opposition on September 6, 2025.

By February, however, it emerged that pressure was on him from within the party to step down as leader.

It was understood then that seven MPs had signed a letter of no confidence in his position as Leader of the Opposition, which is an appointment made by the Governor in line with the Bermuda Constitution.

Mr King wrote an Opinion piece that was published in Monday’s edition of The Royal Gazette.

He said: “I have spent the months since then trying to reconcile differences and continue serving my constituents as an OBA MP. But there comes a time when you have to be honest with yourself.

“My values and the direction of the organisation are no longer aligned.

“I cannot continue to belong to a system when doing so compromises my responsibility to the people I was elected to serve.

Ben Smith was sworn in as Opposition leader at Government House on February 5.

In response to Mr King’s resignation, Mr Smith said: “Robert King has taken his decision and I respect his right to make it. I wish him well as he continues representing the people of Smith’s North. This does not change the work of the One Bermuda Alliance.

“I have spoken with every member of our parliamentary team. We are united, focused and determined to provide Bermuda with a strong and credible alternative government.

“Bermudians are dealing with far more important issues and deserve leadership that puts Bermuda first.”

Mr King’s party resignation will leave the OBA with ten members in the Lower House, compared with 25 for the PLP.