United Bermuda Party Leader Kim Swan says he is pleased a leadership challenge is likely in the near future.

Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards is understood to have approached Mr. Swan to tell him he's planning to oust him as leader of the struggling official Opposition.

Mr. Swan, who had previously stated he would welcome a leadership bid in the light of five defections from MPs in the past year, told The Royal Gazette: "I am pleased at the fact that there is now interest in the leadership position — that is indeed a good thing which will help generate an increased interest in the party."

The UBP is in the process of revamping the way it selects its leaders, allowing input from party members other than just MPs and Senators.

That modernisation will not be rubber-stamped until the party's annual general meeting in December, but Mr. Richards and Mr. Swan are both understood to be happy for the new process to be used if a leadership bid happens before then.

Mr. Swan continued: "As you are aware — I have encouraged a process of change to our constitution that also raised the leadership issue but, more importantly, how we can improve our party through broadened selection mechanism.

"I feel it is healthy for any political party to have competition for its offices — and as a strong advocate of a practising democracy, this is clearly a move that will help our party grow and broaden our base.

"I supported the broadening of our party electoral franchise as an important and integral part of our need for change — the election of the United Bermuda Party leadership to include the party's central council, if ratified, will strengthen the connection between the responsibility of elected members and the branches of the party.

"Should the party ratify this party constitutional change, it would not only increase the accountability of elected members but serve to strengthen the significance of serving as an officer at the branch level."

He warned a leadership change alone would not be enough to save the UBP, adding: "But let us not forget that the most important component required is the hard work on issues — the people's business — which must be placed first and foremost.

"Ultimately, it is important for all members of the Opposition, in particular, to become focused on the myriad of serious issues confronting Bermuda and our communities. Issues such as crime, growing gang culture, the high cost of living, job losses, plummeting tourism, good governance issue which include allegations of corruption are all major concerns for the people of Bermuda."