Smith Replaces King As Opposition Leader
[Updating] “I want to reaffirm my strong commitment and regard for the will of the people,” Opposition Leader Robert King said.
The statement from Mr King – who was elected by the members as the OBA Leader in September 2025 – follows after reports that some of the MPs may possibly be seeking to replace him as leader.
Mr King said, “I put my name on a ballot to run as a Member of Parliament in Bermuda because I wanted the opportunity to serve the people of Bermuda. That has always been my motivation, and it is, still and will always be so.
“I was elected to represent the people of Constituency 10. For that I am grateful, and I will continue to do so in good faith – representing them and working for them and for the betterment of life for all Bermudians.
“I pursued the leadership of the One Bermuda Alliance, not for any vain pursuit, but because I believe I can help renew the party and offer a strong option for the people of Bermuda to improve their lives and tackle the many serious challenges we face.
“This island is facing serious challenges, and I have been laser-focused on working with the community to find solutions to those challenges: Affordability and homes for all Bermudians, tackling the root causes of growing violence, quality education, preserving our natural and cultural heritage, supporting a strong economy in which all Bermudians can thrive, and above all, fairness and respect.
“I have the deepest respect and regard for the democratic process. We live in a world where democracy is being dismantled in the most unlikely places. I want to reaffirm my strong commitment and regard for the will of the people.
“Nothing will change my values or my determination to support the people of Bermuda and this island, as did my forebears. Thank you to my constituents and the large number of OBA members who elected me leader for their confidence and the opportunity to serve the public good. I will continue to do so, and I will work with all my respected colleagues to make Bermuda stronger.”
Update: Unofficial information suggests that there is going to be a change in the leadership at the OBA, with a source telling Bernews that Ben Smith is set to be the new Leader, and he could be sworn in as early as 4:00pm today. That is unofficial and not officially confirmed yet and we will continue updating as able.
Update: It is now confirmed that the Opposition Leader will be sworn in at 4:00 p.m. today… It is not confirmed exactly who it will be although unofficial sources do say that it will be Ben Smith.
Update: Mr King said, “I was called to Government House by Governor Andrew Murdoch this morning. He informed me that he had a letter signed by members of the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) parliamentary caucus asking to remove me as Opposition Leader. My commitment to my constituency, the membership of the OBA and the people of Bermuda remains unwavering.”
Update: Ben Smith has been sworn in as the new Opposition Leader.
Mr. King certainly knows how to tick all the right boxes and talks the talk a competent politician. However, it’s as if his biggest weakness (and that of the OBA in general) is the ability to transform his words into anything resembling action outside of rather un-insightful op-eds.
With a government as objectively incompetent as ours, it should be a fairly simple task to outwit them with an ounce of sound logic, articulate debating skills and having the gall to be honest and blunt from time to time.
The OBA really should just dissolve and get out of its own way at this point.
Unless they have notified the membership of a vacated leadership position, and have scheduled elections, whoever is appointed today is Interim.
Have you learned to tie your shoes yet. If so, run for leader. Looks easy doesn’t it ?Like your lacens. Looks like he has support from former Senstors who might be coup makers because their lacens are tied.