It was in 2022 that David Burt first announced he would step aside in 2026.

That promise became conditional on him not being toppled by former finance minister Curtis Dickinson in a leadership challenge that October.

The Premier insisted that he would be no lame duck, telling The Royal Gazette: “I’ve always said that I will serve only two full terms as leader of the Progressive Labour Party.

“The Progressive Labour Party’s terms for leaders are for four years. I will serve, if elected … until 2026 and I will not stand again for party leader.”

He cited family reasons and a pledge he had made to his wife, Kristin.

In January, looking ahead to the political landscape of 2025, The Royal Gazette raised the question of whether Mr Burt would, if not publicly, anoint a successor.

The General Election of February 18 resulted in a win for the PLP, keeping Mr Burt comfortably in the top job.

During the late-night celebrations on Court Street, he reminded the public of his intentions to step down in October 2026. Until then, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving Bermuda and ensuring that his government continues to work for the people.

Before the election, an unnamed former politician predicted that Mr Burt would likely step down after two thirds of his term.

The observer further opined that Zane DeSilva, a PLP backbencher, would attempt to challenge Mr Burt, but lose.

It was that same embattled backbencher who put himself forward for the position of deputy leader of the PLP — in competition with Michael Weeks and Diallo Rabain.

Despite still being embroiled in the Savvy Entertainment loan saga, Mr DeSilva won, assuming the position previously held by Walter Roban.

Mr DeSilva won the backing of the PLP delegates at St Paul AME Church hall in March, as he saw off the challenges of first Mr Rabain, and then Mr Weeks in a tightly contested second vote.

Mr DeSilva said on the night: “I’ve spent a lot of time with a lot of different organisations in the country and I’ve spent a lot of time with our people — I know their heartbeat, I know what they feel. I don’t forget where I came from.”

One longtime observer of politics in Bermuda said: “I imagine the Premier will pitch himself as a bridging candidate to ensure a seamless political transition from his premiership to whoever will take over from him in the next PLP leadership election.

“Depending on the outcome of the General Election, that may be potentially brought forward.

“I imagine his heir apparent will be made clear during the election campaign, though of course the election results will determine the potential pool of candidates for that leadership election.”

In May, in an interview with CITV during the Bermuda Day celebrations, Mr Burt reiterated that come October 2026, he will no longer be leader of the PLP.

In September, Scott Pearman, the Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, wrote an op-ed in the Gazette warning Mr Burt about his “victory lap”.

He said: “What a tight grip David Burt must have on the PLP if he and he alone can dictate when he steps down …

“Beware the victory lap, Premier Burt. Now that people know you are leaving, some may seek to hasten your departure. And others will naturally have cause to reflect, and to judge a departing premier by his record.”

Speaking at the PLP gala in November, Mr Burt said it was a “personal tragedy” that he was unable to bring Bermuda to independence as the leader of the party.

At the 62nd annual event, he said it would also stand as a tragedy for the party if the island refused to become a full member of the Caribbean Community, better known as Caricom.

Mr Burt noted that the gala at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club would be his last at the helm and urged that PLP members select a successor who would prioritise the party.

He told the gathering: “I cannot tell you the amount of times that I have had to swallow my pride because I must put party first — the amount of times I have had to hear the anger from my friends and supporters while inviting someone into the Cabinet who may not have supported me, because I know how important it is to put party first.”

Mr Burt added that the PLP was committed to free and fair internal elections, and urged the party to get behind whoever was elected to take the leadership.