PLP Election: Dickinson Files Legal Action
[Updated] There has been a new development within the PLP leadership election, with Curtis Dickinson filing a legal document in the Supreme Court of Bermuda Civil Jurisdiction seeking “urgent interim relief.”
The document — which lists Mr Dickinson and four others as the Plaintiffs and the Chairperson and Secretary General of the PLP as the defendants — is seeking, in effect, that the PLP be “restrained from” implementing the motion regarding the rules about members of the Party, that became members in the last year, to be delegates.
One part of the document states that “Until the determination of the questions raised by the Originating Summons herein or further order of the Court, the Defendants, whether by themselves, their servants or agents, or by the Central Committee, the Executive Committee or the Officers or Branches of the Party or any of them, or otherwise howsoever, be restrained from” implementing the motions that were voted on by the Central Committee on August 24, 2026.
In response to our queries, a PLP spokesperson told Bernews, “We are aware that legal proceedings have been initiated in relation to an internal Party matter. As this is now before the courts, it would not be appropriate for the Party to comment further at this time.”
Mr Dickinson is one of two candidates running for the position of PLP leader, with Jason Hayward also standing for the position, which will become available as David Burt will not be standing for re-election as Party Leader later this year, and as the PLP currently forms the Government of Bermuda, the party’s leader will become the Premier.
This is a developing situation and we will update as able.
Update 8.45pm: The Curtis Dickinson campaign has confirmed that court action is underway, stating that their “attorneys obtained an interim injunction restraining executives of the Party from proceeding with a membership process” that they argued was “contrary to our Constitution.”
A statement said, “The Constitution of the Progressive Labour Party is the foundation of our Party, reflecting the values, principles and democratic traditions that have guided generations of members. It must be respected. If those rules are to change, the membership must have a voice and a fair opportunity to participate in that process.
“Today, our attorneys obtained an interim injunction restraining executives of the Party from proceeding with a membership process that is contrary to our Constitution. This action was taken with great reluctance and only after genuine efforts were made to resolve the matter respectfully within the Party. Those efforts did not produce a resolution, leaving us with no alternative but to seek the Court’s guidance.
“This is not an attack on our Party or its Officers. Those named in the action are named solely because of the offices they hold. In particular, our Party Chairman, Dawn Simmons, is a lifelong stalwart who has dedicated decades of her life to the PLP and to service in our community. That contribution deserves our respect.
“The PLP has always welcomed new members and new voices. The unprecedented growth we are seeing represents Bermudians who want to participate, contribute and be heard. They are welcomed, and every member must be treated fairly and equally under our Constitution. Our campaign seeks to strengthen the PLP.
“Our focus remains on the issues facing Bermudians every day: housing, healthcare, education, community safety and modern infrastructure. I encourage every PLP member to be active in your branches, engaged in your communities and committed to our Party in this leadership election. We are one PLP family. Protecting our Constitution is about ensuring that the principles holding us together remain stronger than any candidate, campaign or election.”
The matter is still ongoing, and we will continue to update as able.
