Pamela Gordon is set to become Bermuda's new Premier today -- the first woman and the youngest-ever leader of the Country.

For even in the unlikely event the Environment Minister is opposed for the leadership, she is set to command a thumping majority of MPs.

The news came as Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness announced that he will not enter the leadership lists.

And Mr. Edness, thought to have been able to attract a significant amount of votes, threw his weight behind Ms Gordon as unanimous choice for Premier.

That leaves UBP veteran Irving Pearman as the only possible entrant against the Gordon bandwagon -- and he has already signalled that he may not stand.

Ms Gordon, 41, said last night: "I very much appreciate Quinton Edness giving me his support and coming on board.

"I feel the United Bermuda Party has displayed unity for the first time in a long time.'' Mr. Edness said: "I have pledged my support and loyalty to Ms Gordon and I undertake to assist her in any way I can.

He added: "I believe that with the help of her colleagues, she will be an excellent Premier, one who will work tirelessly for the welfare of all the peoples of Bermuda, Bermudians and residents alike.'' Last night, Mr. Pearman denied TV reports that he would definitely not be in the frame.

He said: "I said I would see how things developed and we still have a way to go on that.'' He added, however, that he was aware of the stance Mr. Edness had taken.

And he said: "On the basis of that, if there are no challengers other than Ms Gordon I probably will not stand.'' Mr. Edness, MP for Warwick West, said he had not sought the Premiership over the last 15 years and that he had always given his full support to the party's choice.

But he said he had to consider running this time due to Dr. David Saul's shock resignation and because Bermuda was entering a time of rapid change.

He added, however: "Following a series of discussions with my colleagues, Ms Pamela Gordon, my family and friends, I have concluded that it would be in the best interests of Bermuda, the United Bermuda Party and the people of Warwick West if I do not stand as a candidate in the Premiership elections at this time.'' Mr. Edness paid tribute to "the substantial number'' of members of the public, friends and UBP caucus members who urged him to stand.

He said: "I'm very appreciative of their confidence in me. It's my hope that when the election takes place next Thursday, Pamela Gordon will be elected by unanimous acclamation.'' He added: "I would like to see that happen -- I believe there is a good possibility it will happen. And that will be a further demonstration that we are solidly behind her.'' Mr. Edness admitted there had been some reservations expressed about Ms Gordon's experience and "a lot of concern about both the short-term and long-term future of Bermuda and the election which is coming up''.

But he dismissed the fact that Ms Gordon would be the first woman Premier in the Country's as irrelevant.

And he said: "I have come to the conclusion that, although there some reservations among the general public, there are no large concerns -- Ms Gordon is seen as popular and attractive.'' He added she could expect to draw wide support from areas as diverse as big business and the churches.

Mr. Edness said: "Institutions see her as someone who will bring about change which is necessary without much disruption and without hurting our economy.

"Ms Gordon has already done an extremely good job and will do an extremely good job on the economy.'' Mr. Edness said of his party: "We will continue our commitment to making Bermuda secure and fighting crime and drugs on every front and I believe the public knows that all of us in the party are committed to that.

"With these assurances, I believe the public will settle down and give her a chance -- and I don't think she will let them down.'' Popular party warhorse C.V. (Jim) Woolridge ended speculation over a challenge for the leadership from him on Thursday.

And Mr. Pearman signalled on the same day that it was "quite a possibility'' he might not stand, in the interests of a united front.

Ms Gordon has already said she would think twice about taking a nomination which was not won by a convincing majority.

Contrary to radio reports, the nominations for the leadership will not close until midnight tonight.

But it is understood UBP officials expect no more than two names to be put forward -- and probably just one, Ms Gordon's.

UBP chairman and Senator, Gary Pitman, who will handle the election, refused to comment on the likely slate of candidates.

But he said: "Nothing has been received by me -- but the list does not close at 5 p.m. as reported. The day finishes at midnight.''