Deputy Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley has taken on the former shadow cabinet portfolio of Jamahl Simmons, who quit the United Bermuda Party over a race row.

The mini-reshuffle means Mr. Simmons' responsibilities for Race Relations and Economic Empowerment will fall within Mr. Dunkley's remit as Shadow Minister Without Portfolio.

Mr. Simmons launched a broadside at the party last week, sparked by a fight to hold onto his Pembroke West constituency in the face of a challenge from former MP Erwin Adderley, and amid claims he neglected constituency duties.

In a strongly-worded press statement Mr. Simmons alleged: "For the past three years I have been subjected to a relentless campaign waged by a small group of whites within the party. These people have attempted to tarnish my good name, have impeded my efforts to serve the people of Pembroke West and have threatened the employment and livelihood of my black supporters."

He accused the UBP of being stuck in the past, and not practising the unity and equality it called for. He claimed those seeking to oust him from Pembroke West made threats to his supporters.

United Bermuda Party Leader Wayne Furbert subsequently said of the allegations: "Jamahl knows very well it has nothing to do with racism. It has everything to do with him not working his area."

Mr. Simmons said he formally tendered his resignation from the UBP on the same day as his attack on the party. He will not contest the next general election and will sit in the House of Assembly as an Independent until that date.

He had no comment to make yesterday on the shadow cabinet reshuffle. However, he pledged that the issues of race relations, economic empowerment and poverty would still be a key focus for him as an Independent.

Mr. Simmons, who at 35 is the youngest MP in Bermuda, added that he has yet to make a decision on what he will do after his term ends.