Under-fire Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert's popularity has nearly doubled, according to the findings of the latest Royal Gazette opinion poll.

Despite his party being poised to replace him within the next few days Mr. Furbert's ratings went up this month to 37.9 percent, a sharp rise on the January figure of 20.2 percent, which came just after two embarrassing UBP resignations.

The poll shows Mr. Furbert is now more popular among those questioned than in September when his popularity rating stood at 34.4 percent and more popular than when he took over the UBP leadership last year when his popularity levels stood at 28.7 percent.

The latest poll was conducted from March 15 to March 18, several days before news broke that seven rebel United Bermuda Party MPs wanted Mr. Furbert to stand down.

But last night it seemed inevitable that Mr. Furbert was still on his way, despite the Party flunking the issue of his leadership at Monday's caucus meeting. MPs had gathered to debate a 'no confidence' motion signed by the majority of the group and it was expected that Mr. Furbert would either announce his resignation or be voted out.

But neither scenario transpired and Mr. Furbert remains in the post with the 'no confidence' motion still on the table.

One senior party source said it still didn't bode well for Mr. Furbert, who took over from Dr. Grant Gibbons just 14 months ago.

The source said: "You notice that the last time they had this sort of meeting he said the members are behind me.

"He didn't do it this time. Obviously the man is hurting at this time."

Several names have been mentioned as possible successors including deputy leader Michael Dunkley and Finance spokesman Patricia Gordon-Pamplin.

But the insider said: "It is still wide open at the moment."

Yesterday UBP Education spokesman Neville Darrell came out publicly in favour of Maxwell Burgess as leader according to a report on Bermudanetworknews.

Mr. Darrell, who will step down at the next election for health reasons, is quoted as saying the leadership situation within the party was "embarrassing" and praised Mr Burgess for his experience, temperament and track record, saying he would make a "marvellous leader". He also praised finance spokesman Patricia Gordon-Pamplin and said Mr. Dunkley, as deputy leader, needed to take some responsibility for the current problems. So far no one has officially declared their candidacy and it is unclear when a vote will take place.

Asked about Mr. Darrell's comments Mr. Dunkley said: "He is entitled to his opinion. He wasn't in the caucus meeting."

Mr. Dunkley declined to comment further.