The United Bermuda Party has been hit by internal rows over the demotion of Senator Michael Dunkley and by-election selection of convicted drugs offender Devrae Noel-Simmons, according to sources.

Party insiders say Sen Dunkley — who carries a lot of support from UBP loyalists — was very unhappy at being replaced by Senator Jeanne Atherden as leader of the Upper House last week.

Sen Dunkley has declined to comment publicly, but UBP members say he has the support of many members who view him as one of the struggling party's strongest leaders.

Meanwhile leader Kim Swan and Charlie Swan were the only MPs to show up as Mr Noel-Simmons was rolled out as the UBP candidate for the Warwick South Central by-election last Wednesday.

At least two MPs are said to have complained about the selection of Mr Noel-Simmons, who was arrested for possession with intent to supply cocaine on New Year's Eve 2008, before being given a suspended sentence for possession.

The no-show is said to be partly down to disappointment over the demotion of Sen Dunkley and partly down to Mr Noel-Simmons' track record.

One UBP source said: "I know for a fact that the reason people didn't turn up was because of the decision to demote Senator Dunkley."

However, younger party members are said to have argued the introduction of a new face will help the party move away from its image as old and elitist. It was a wave of non-MPs — including Tillman Darrell, Jeff Sousa and Nicholas Swan — who flanked Mr. Noel-Simmons as his unveiling last week.

Last night the Party's leader Mr Swan said: "The UBP are behind our candidate 110 percent and members of our team are already out in the community canvassing with and on behalf of Devrae Noel-Simmons and our Party.

"As Party leader I am proud of the commitment that Devrae has made and the courage he is showing this community offering himself for public service."

Previously Sen Dunkley was responsible for Immigration, Labour, Tourism and Public Safety, and was dubbed "the Shadow Minister of Everything" by the Progressive Labour Party.

But his duties have now whittled down to national security alone; it's understood Sen Atherden was promoted to raise her profile ahead of a likely bid as an election candidate.

Several sources close to Sen Dunkley describe him as very disappointed at the move, with one saying: "He felt he was blindsided," and another saying: "He's very disappointed. He didn't see it coming and there just seemed no reason for it."

One UBP source described Sen Dunkley as "someone who likes a high profile" and said there was sympathy for him among certain factions.

"Michael appeals to a certain segment of strong and loyal supporters," said the source.

"They might think there were certain reasons it was done. They might think Jeanne needs a higher profile. She's not as aggressive as some."

That source said Mr Noel-Simmons has been attending caucus for some time and was a popular figure, although more conservative members of the party didn't think he was the right choice to fight for the Constituency 26 seat vacated by former Premier Ewart Brown.

Mr Dunkley has declined to comment other than to say: "I don't have any comment to make. I'm a team player and any comment should come from the leader. I just try to serve people."

Mr Swan last night said: "I made a couple of key changes to my leadership positions which fall within my purview as Leader – for the record my colleagues were advised of the possibility of changes – the changes in both House and the Senate are intended to broaden responsibilities of our leadership team and to bring a different political focus.

"Senator Dunkley is a team player and remains an important part of our team as a Senator and the Shadow Minister with oversight of the biggest problem facing Bermuda (how to fix our Crime problem).

"Hence, I have asked Sen Dunkley to focus exclusively on National Security because it is the single most pressing issue for the people of Bermuda."

He added: "Senator Atherden is very capable, with talents to be revealed in time. We look forward to her taking on this new role of which she will bring a new dynamic as we move forward. She is the Party chairman and this appointment puts the aims and objectives of the party at the forefront.

"The other change to my leadership team included the elevation of my Deputy Leader Mr Trevor Moniz to House Leader replacing Mr Cole Simons who remains Party Whip."