Many people think there's no way back for the United Bermuda Party from here — but Bob Richards insists he's the man with the plan to make it happen.

Over the past few weeks, Mr. Richards has been sharing his plan for reform with Opposition members. Part of that plan, he says, is to replace Kim Swan, in the same way as a sports team on a losing run changes its manager.

He has declined to reveal details of his way forward, other than to say he wants to create a vision for the party, for example showing how the UBP could help all children get a good education and young people fulfil their career goals. Too often, he says, the UBP has failed to tell its own story, concentrating instead on picking faults with Government.

Some of those who have seen Mr. Richards' presentation say it includes calling in consultants to see how the UBP can transform itself into a viable alternative to the Progressive Labour Party.

Annoyed at being categorised as a member of an anti-reform camp within the UBP, the Shadow Finance Minister points to his role in introducing changes to the constitution which mean more people will have a say in tonight's leadership contest than ever before.

He's regarded as one of the smartest thinkers in the Opposition ranks, but has also been labelled as less popular with the people than the man he's trying to oust.

Much of this stems from his track record at elections, including December 2007, when he cut the UBP's victory margin in Constituency 11 from 214 to 27 — a result leaving the PLP boasting he'd need to switch seats to avoid an embarrassing defeat at the next election.

Mr. Richards, the son of Bermuda's first black Premier Sir Edward Richards, says his challenge two years ago was fighting a seat held for many years by Michael Dunkley. He argues he would do better now that his face is more well-known in that area.

The PLP has already coined Mr. Richards the nickname "Bob the Snob" in an attempt to pigeonhole him as an elitist. He's dismissed that as "foolishness", saying he feels pretty comfortable if that's the PLP's best shot.