United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan today vowed the party would bounce back from last night’s six resignations and declared: “We can do great things with small numbers.”

At a press conference today, Mr. Swan announced a shake-up of portfolios among his dwindling numbers following the departures of MPs Shawn Crockwell, Donte Hunt and Mark Pettingill, Senator Michael Fahy, chairman Sean Pitcher and adopted candidate Wayne Scott.

Sen. Michael Dunkley takes over Mr. Crockwell’s Shadow Labour and Home Affairs duties, while deputy chair Jeff Sousa becomes chair for an interim period.

“I am not going to put a gloss on yesterday’s resignations. Of course they hurt,” said Mr. Swan.

“Our numbers are suddenly down. People in the community — our supporters — are rightfully concerned.”

However, although the Opposition is now down to nine MPs, one quarter of the seats in the House of Assembly, Mr. Swan said they would continue to serve the community.

He said: “I waited a long time to serve this Country officially as an MP. I’m standing behind people who I have a great deal of faith in. We have a community out there that needs service.

“We are going to work together and we are going to spread that love... We can do great things with small numbers.

“The needs of this Country are far too important. They transcend my personal feelings and agenda and any of my colleagues.”

For the full story see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.