UBP education spokesman Neville Darrell is standing down from the Shadow Cabinet but has denied rumours it is based on dissatisfaction with the new leadership.

Mr. Darrell came out publicly for Maxwell Burgess recently but Michael Dunkley was elected as leader after no-one else challenged.

However Mr. Darrell, who is retiring at the coming election, said he had been wanting to step down from the front bench since last summer to allow someone else to get experience in the role.

He told The Royal Gazette: “People can find conspiracy theories but that is the pragmatic truth.

“I indicated to the leader Wayne Furbert he should consider succession. He didn’t do it at that time. He indicated a number of individuals were interested in not having it.”

Last night new Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley sang the praises of Mr. Darrell’s work with the Education portfolio.

He said: “Anybody who attended the House of Assembly and listened to budget debates was well aware that he did his research, he was very knowledgeable on the subject.

“Neville had the ability to talk about education but do it in a very pointed way where people would listen. Even the Government benches seemed to like the contribution he brought. I think he was a good Shadow Minister of Education; he built good relationships within the education community.”

Mr. Dunkley was already in the process of forming his Shadow Cabinet, so in that regard, the timing is advantageous. But it may be a challenge to find someone as equally knowledgeable and respected.

The Opposition Leader was not overly concerned, however.

He said with a laugh: “I’m the milkman. And you can’t cry over spilled milk. When somebody makes a decision that he’s moving on from politics, that’s something we need to accept and move on.”

Former UBP leader Grant Gibbons is now widely tipped to take over the post and Mr. Darrell said he would make an excellent choice.

“He’s interested in education. He and I talk about it. He would be immanently qualified.”

Mr. Darrell is retiring after just one term in the House of Assembly because of back problems.

And UBP veteran Maxwell Burgess confirmed he is not putting his name forward for the Shadow Cabinet as he is also retiring at the next election and he wants to make way for newcomers.

Mr. Dunkley is on record as saying his Shadow Cabinet will be announced before the House of Assembly reconvenes next month.