United Bermuda Party members voted unanimously to change the party's constitution to give more people a say in how the leader and deputy are selected.

At a special central council meeting on Thursday, the UBP amended its constitution so that leadership contests will be ruled by the central council, which includes two delegates from each branch (the MP or adopted candidate and the branch chairman), regional chairmen, Senators, the president of Young United and officers of the party, which includes the party chairman, deputy chairman, secretary and treasurer.

Party chairman Jeff Sousa said in a statement: "These changes will have the effect of enlarging the number of potential electors by tenfold."

Until now, only MPs could vote in UBP leadership battles. Leader Kim Swan described the changes as "a significant milestone for the party, a progressive, positive move and a major change in the way we operate".

In recent months, the party has repeatedly come under fire for its failure to reform, with five MPs quitting since last December, each complaining about the UBP's refusal to transform itself into a viable challenger to the Progressive Labour Party.

A date for the leadership contest between Mr. Swan and Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards has still not been set.

Mr. Richards has previously declared he wants to replace leader Mr. Swan as soon as possible, saying he has a plan to show people how the UBP can restore the country. Mr. Swan says he would welcome such a challenge for the good of the party.