Dr. Grant Gibbons has been ousted as leader of the United Bermuda Party, with Deputy Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert voted in to the top job by the parliamentary caucus.

Months of public speculation and internal talks about the leadership of the Opposition culminated in the unanimous vote on Saturday afternoon.

Members of the UBP yesterday refused to criticise their former leader or comment on the internal manoeuvres that brought about his downfall after four years at the helm.

However, Dr. Gibbons made it clear that his departure came about through losing the support of his colleagues rather than a desire to step down.

"Early in October I asked my colleagues in the United Bermuda Party Caucus to give careful thought as to who they wanted to lead them through the next election.

"I indicated that I did not intend to step down, as long as they wished me to continue and I had their support. Following a series of facilitated meetings, they have now made their decision," he said.

"Wayne Furbert has been a friend and political colleague over many years and has my support.

"I wish him well as party leader, and I firmly believe that it will be in Bermuda's best interests for the United Bermuda Party to win the next election in order to restore accountability and good government to our community."

Last October, commenting on rumoured threats to his position, Dr. Gibbons had admitted that "some people both within the UBP and outside the party feel that at this point the UBP needs a black leader".

In an exclusive interview with about his new role yesterday, Mr. Furbert quoted Martin Luther King's words in expressing the hope that he will be judged by the content of his character, not the colour of his skin.

Nonetheless, he made it clear he is keen to end the perception of the UBP being the 'white party' once and for all, explaining his desire to see a "new political dynamic" in Bermuda.

"We've played to people's emotions when it comes to party lines on both sides. It's time to break that shackle that's kept us from moving forwards for the last 40 years that party politics has been in place," he said.

Mr. Furbert refused to offer any criticism of Dr. Gibbons and indicated that his leadership will not see any radical change of direction for the UBP.

"This is a new beginning built on a strong foundation. My good friend Grant has served the party and the people well. His drive and commitment to see our people truly become 'one Bermuda' with opportunity for all and special privilege for none will never be abandoned. I am both honoured and humbled to have been chosen by my colleagues to lead this great party," he said.

Mr. Furbert, who was Shadow Minister of Housing until elected as leader, would not give details of his plans for the Shadow Cabinet reshuffle that his new role will prompt.

"That will come over the next couple of weeks once the dust has settled. I will be talking with my colleagues individually and getting feedback on how we can serve the country even better and where they see themselves fitting in," he said.

Mr. Furbert's election to the top job confounded the expectations of many political commentators who, since rumours of discontent with Dr. Gibbons began circulating, had tipped higher-profile MPs such as Michael Dunkley and John Barritt for the role. Another name seen as very much in the frame was Senator Bob Richards, who yesterday confirmed that he had been asked to put his name forward. "I was encouraged to put my hat in the ring but after all was said and done it was decided that Wayne was the best chance and he has my 100 percent support," he said.

He indicated some truth in the rumours flying around the corridors of power that some felt Dr. Gibbons to lack the charisma necessary to lead the UBP back into government.

"Grant Gibbons had done a very good job but we needed someone else with a bit of a different style. That's why we decided to make the change. That style will manifest itself as time unfolds. Wayne is a very different type of person ? he's more of a 'people person' than Grant," he commented.

Asked about whether the UBP needed a black politician in charge in order to make itself more electable, he said: "The UBP has had black leaders and white leaders, and that is a strength of our party.

"We had decided on a different sort of agenda and we had not distilled it down to 'black or white.' I'm not saying it's not a factor, but I am saying it's not the only factor."

Michael Dunkley, the UBP's other Deputy Opposition Leader, told that putting his name forward was "not something I contemplated".

Of the lengthy debate that preceded the change of leadership he acknowledged: "You always have leadership discussions and sometimes they take a lot of time ? that's healthy in any organisation.

"Dr. Gibbons provided good leadership, but as in any organisation there comes a time when you want change. Mr. Furbert is the man of the moment and I am sure he will do a great job. I am 100 percent behind him and ready to work with him. He's got a real passion for Bermuda and is a real people person. He is honest, and a man of integrity."

On the issue of Dr. Gibbons' personal style he said: "He is not the type of person to go around and kiss babies or hug women and all that sort of stuff but I think his record speaks for itself."

UBP Chairwoman Gwyneth Rawlins said: "Over the last several months the leadership of the United Bermuda Party has been meeting to talk about the challenges facing Bermuda and our party's role in facing those challenges. As a result of those conversations, it was decided that Wayne Furbert is the best person to lead the party at this time.

"The United Bermuda Party has throughout its history acted as an agent of change, and the decision that we have made is another step forward in the evolution of our party. Wayne Furbert is uniquely suited to take our people, our country and our party forward. Our Island is faced with ever growing challenges in the areas of housing, race, economic empowerment and corruption. Wayne Furbert has the vision, the compassion, and the integrity to deal with these challenges."