Todd to run in Southampton East Central

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9: Chamber of Commerce president Stephen Todd is to stand for the PLP at the next General Election.

Mr Todd was today revealed as the latest PLP candidate, replacing Health Minister Zane DeSilva in Southampton East Central.

Mr Todd said: “I believe the PLP are more in keeping with my political interests, goals, vision and what’s needed in the Bermuda we know today.

“I recognise the other parties do have a contribution to make, but the PLP are in the best position to put Bermuda in the place we would like to be and in the position of prosperity we have enjoyed in the past.”

Mr DeSilva moved from Southampton East Central – which has undergone boundary changes - to the safer seat of Southampton West, replacing PLP veteran and Speaker of the House Stanley Lowe, who is retiring.

Mr Todd said: “We’re going in to win – I’m going to give the best possible showing, knocking on every door, hearing the concerns of residents and doing the best I can to address them.”

Mr Todd, who has stepped down from the Chamber because of rules against political involvement, was announced by Premier Paula Cox at the party’s Alaska HQ, backed by several MPs and Government Ministers.

Ms Cox said: “Mr Todd is well known in the local business community and he will soon be no stranger to the constituents in constituency 30.”

She added that courage was needed for anyone to step forward and offer themselves for political office.

But she said: “Even more than courage, it speaks to a person’s character – it’s about putting one’s country before oneself.”

Ms Cox added that Mr Todd’s adoption came on the 13^th anniversary of the historic 1998 PLP victory at the polls – the first time the party formed a Government.

She said: “We will continue to soldier on and keep our eyes on the prize as we continue to deliver for Bermuda. Despite our current challenges, Bermuda’s future is bright and this Progressive Labour Party will continue to connect with the people on the doorstep.”