United Bermuda Party Senator Gina Spence-Farmer is stepping down to take on the new post of Public Relations Officer for the United Bermuda Party.

She will be replaced by Jeanne Atherden, an accountant, who is Vice President of Paragon Brokers Ltd.

Party leader Kim Swan said he had worked closely together with Mrs. Spence-Farmer in the Senate for more than three years where she became an effective advocate for everyday people.

He said: "Mrs. Spence Farmer speaks for a more caring, compassionate Bermuda; a Bermuda that reaches out to bring people together. She is a woman of faith who has devoted a big part of her life to helping others.

"These traits plus her extensive experience in radio, TV and production make her the ideal choice as the party's public relations officer."

It's understood UBP communications director Don Grearson will continue in his current role while Mrs. Spence Farmer will be out front providing a more consistent day-to-day identity for the party.

In addition, she will be responsible for planning and organising party events across the community.

Mrs. Spence Farmer said: "Communications is an area of which I am very passionate about and have worked in for many years prior to coming into politics. Make no mistake I will continue to champion those issues that I have a passion for."

She will be replaced by Mrs. Atherden who will join Senators Michael Dunkley and Charlie Swan in the Upper House.

A party statement said Mrs. Atherden has many years experience in public service and private business, at both the executive and board level.

She is currently vice-president of Paragon Brokers Ltd., deputy chairman of Key Tech Limited, and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hotel Pension Fund. And she was a long-time executive with the Bank of Bermuda.

Mrs. Atherden is the Bermuda Golf Association's tournament director, committee chairman for the RBT Education Awards and a member of the Bank of Bermuda Youth Development Subcommittee.

Mr. Swan said: "I asked Mrs. Atherden to sit in the Senate in order to bring her sound financial perspective to its deliberations.

"This is particularly important given that our economy is more than ever dependent on the one pillar of international business.

"Mrs. Atherden's broad experience in business and her steady approach to issues will strengthen our powers of scrutiny of legislation and developments in the economy of the island."

Mrs. Atherden said: "My new role in the public life of the country will enable me to interact with people from all walks of life, discussing issues that affect all of us.

"Small conversations are very healthy ways to find out where people agree, as well as where they differ."

She said she was interested in women's issues, education and housing.