Opposition Senator Mark Pettingill is expected to resign in the next few days in a move which could see the United Bermuda Party (UBP) unveil a number of changes, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The lawyer, who has sat on the Senate since April 1999, is believed to have already given his intention to resign to Opposition Leader Dr. Grant Gibbons.

But whether or not Mr. Pettingill is planning to retire from politics altogether, or take on another role in the party, is unclear.

One theory is that the UBP has hopes of the lawyer going on to represent the party in the House of Assembly.

Last night, neither Mr. Pettingill or Dr. Gibbons would be drawn on the issue. Although, neither would deny the claim, either. Dr. Gibbons said: “I'm not prepared to comment at this point, but I may have more to add tomorrow.”

Opposition Leader in the Senate Kim Swan was unavailable for comment.

But a source said: “Mark Pettingill has already given his intention to Dr. Grant Gibbons to resign. I don't know what his plans are. He may retire from politics altogether, or go on to other things.”

Mr. Pettingill, 37, known as one of the top defence lawyers on the Island, joined the Senate to replace ex-Senator Patricia Gordon-Pamplin when she became an MP.

He was the choice of then Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon, who said that she believed the lawyer would “make a significant contribution to this community”. When he took the seat, he said he had not played an active role in any political party.

He added: “It's not so much the party as what I see as an important role in the development and future of this country.

“Opposition is an unfortunate word - there is a party which has a minority of members and any Opposition should be an effective Opposition.

“Now, more than ever, with a fledgling Government and a lot of new issues on the horizon, it's important to have an effective Opposition.

“Any invitation to serve your country is wonderful - it's not something I sought, but I was very pleased to be asked.”

Ms Gordon was unavailable for comment last night, as was chairman of the party Wayne Furbert.