United Bermuda Party Senator Michael Dunkley has been tipped for a possible move to the Bermuda Democratic Alliance by sources within his own party.

Sen Dunkley — said to be very unhappy at his demotion from Opposition Senate Leader last week — is reported to have retained contact with the BDA and is particularly close to MPs Shawn Crockwell and Mark Pettingill.

Sources say BDA representatives have held discussions with senior UBP figures, with Sen Dunkley named as the most likely to make the switch.

He has previously said he shared the same frustrations as the MPs who broke from the UBP to create the Alliance last summer, following the official Opposition's failure to reform into an election-winning entity.

BDA chairman Michael Fahy yesterday said the Alliance would welcome anyone from any political party who shares the BDA's values.

Another former UBP leader, Grant Gibbons, is also said to be very disillusioned at the selection of Devrae Noel-Simmons as the candidate for next month's Warwick South Central by-election.

Party members say the selection of convicted drugs offender Mr Noel-Simmons and demotion of Sen Dunkley has caused a major rift in the party which has already seen five MPs walk out since the 2007 General Election.

One UBP member said: "Michael is an individual, he loves the Country and he loves politics. Michael Dunkley is in a very important position for politics in Bermuda going forward.

"It's an opportunity for him to step away from the UBP and maybe have a sit down with the BDA and discuss his leadership there.

"Him, Pettingill, Shawn, all of them, they have had meetings about the way forward. Before they left the party, his vision was shared with those young members. If BDA approached him and he felt there was a way forward, who knows?"

One caucus member, who contacted The Royal Gazette to offer support for Mr Noel-Simmons, said: "Dunkley and Grant were not very happy with the choice of Noel-Simmons but as far as I see it Mr Noel-Simmons has paid his debt to society, he's transparent, he's shown that he wants to lead.

"I have always suspected that Dunkley's been on the cusp of joining the BDA. He told me that he's very close friends with a couple of BDA members. It would not surprise me if he went there."

And another said he was not aware of Sen Dunkley declaring any intention to move, but said: "Many of the MPs have a relationship with the people who left the UBP. Michael is friends with Crockwell, and they may be courting him."

Sen Dunkley would not comment on the speculation yesterday, but in the aftermath of the breakaway last September, he said: "It hurt me when those guys left. I like all those guys.

"I know there was frustration within the party on the slowness of accomplishing change. Those guys think very similarly to me and a lot of our colleagues about politics.

"Have I been talking to them? Yes, of course, we're friends. I give everybody advice if they ask for it, whether it's political adversaries, business adversaries or whoever."

BDA chairman Michael Fahy said yesterday: "The BDA is an open party. Anyone that shares our values and principles is entitled to join.

"If anyone from any political party wants to come on board because they believe in what we stand for, they are welcome to join. The fact is that Dunkley is friends with all of us. We talk as friends. Get us in a room and of course the discussion will be about politics. We believe that the BDA is the way forward for the country and welcome anyone who shares that vision."

Shawn Crockwell said: "I served as Chairman under Michael Dunkley leading up the 2007 election and we obviously spent considerable time together and forged a friendship that transcends politics. Consequently we socialise together and watch sports together. Politics always comes up. That is Bermuda."

Mark Pettingill said "I am friends with Michael and equally members in the PLP. Michael and I may differ on some issues but certainly share an interest in what is best for Bermuda. I believe Michael will put the country first."

Dr Gibbons is currently overseas and did not respond when asked whether he was unhappy at the selection of Mr Noel-Simmons.

Another veteran UBP MP, John Barritt, said a year ago that he would consider resigning from the UBP and as an MP, and then stand as an Independent candidate at the resulting by-election. Mr Barritt declined to comment on his own future yesterday.

Sen Dunkley was dropped as Senate leader last week, to be replaced by Senator Jeanne Atherden, in what's thought to be a move to raise her profile. He also had his Shadow responsibilities reduced to National Security, from Immigration, Labour, Tourism and Public Safety.

Leader Kim Swan has thrown his support behind Mr Noel-Simmons, although Charlie Swan was the only other MP to attend his rolling-out ceremony.

Mr Noel-Simmons was flanked by a number of potential candidates including Nicholas Swan, the son of former Premier Sir John Swan, Tillman Darrell and Montell Currin.

Party members have long complained some bright young possible candidates have continuously found themselves squeezed out while an older guard have held onto the most winnable seats.