A decision on Maxwell Burgess' replacement in the Senate will not be made before the end of the upper house's current session.

But expect not only a new United Bermuda Party Senate team, but a reshuffled Shadow Cabinet team with Mr. Burgess in a significant role.

Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon yesterday confirmed reports that the seat vacated by Mr. Burgess, who is now the parliamentary representative for Smith's South, will remain empty until the autumn.

"I'm actually not in a hurry to replace him," Ms Gordon said.

The United Bermuda Party is in the process of reviewing its role in the community and the Government's performance during the year, she said.

"We are going to review our responsibility to the community so that people can really look at the United Bermuda Party as an alternative Government. And I don't think hasty decisions for a two session period really make sense at this juncture."

She said legislation still to come before the Senate was not contentious enough to garner support from the independent senators.

"There's nothing that has been so controversial, that actually would require six members to be able to block the Government. So at this juncture we will speak to our concerns but as we have learned, the Opposition has its say, the Government has its way. And we will take our opportunity to replace someone in the Senate in the fall - around the same time there will most likely be a shuffle of shadow portfolios."

She said a full complement in the Senate was "very important".

"We take our job and our role extremely seriously. And therefore we feel it is appropriate for the people of Bermuda to get the best replacement possible."

And Ms Gordon praised the party's team in the Senate for doing a "fantastic job" so far.

She told The Royal Gazette the party had expected Mr. Burgess to win the Smith's South seat and had a replacement in mind when asked.

"But remember I am only one of a team. And the one thing we do work very hard at is being team players - and you are only as strong as the weakest link. So therefore I could decide tomorrow to put someone in the Senate but will that help the team? Will that help the image of the party going forward? Will people see what they need to see from the United Bermuda Party? Will it assist in the image that we are trying to create? And to just hurriedly put someone in just to satisfy the media I don't think is appropriate."

And she said there was "a slate of good candidates" to choose from.

"That is at least one area we are not concerned about," she said.

Asked whether Mr. Burgess will get a shadow ministry, she was unhesitating: "Of course he will... And that also will be sorted out in short order".

A new House Leader to replace John Barritt will also be found by the autumn, she added.