UBP election candidate Angelita Fox had her campaign clouded in controversy last night after she resigned her executive's position with Cable & Wireless.

The telecom giants announced her shock resignation in a faxed press release just after 5 p.m.

They said Mrs. Fox and would-be Hamilton East MP had quit after eight years so she could "focus her time and efforts on pursuing political and personal career endeavours''.

But political, union and industry insiders alleged Mrs. Fox may have been forced to resign.

Last night, however, Mrs. Fox denied she and the firm had parted on bad terms -- and said: "This is a hot time, that's all.'' She added: "I have decided I was going to resign because I had other career opportunities and I want to continue to concentrate on my political career.'' Mrs. Fox, a Senator until the dissolution of Parliament, is a 34-year-old mother-of-three, who lives on Abbot's Cliff in Hamilton Parish.

Cable & Wireless executives would not comment on the details surrounding her resignation last night.

New general manager Eddie Saints released a three-paragraph statement. It said: "Cable & Wireless Bermuda Limited announces the resignation of Mrs.

Angelita Fox from the company.

Fox quits executive position "Mrs. Fox's decision is made so that she can focus her time and efforts on pursuing political and personal career endeavours.

"The company would like to thank Angelita for her eight years of service to the company and wish her well in pursuing her future goals and aspirations.'' Mr. Saints told The Royal Gazette : "Other than the official statement, we cannot make any further comment.'' Premier Pamela Gordon said: "I'm not up to speed on it yet. I don't know the whole story and I'm still waiting to get a call from Sen. Fox.

"I would be talking blind if I commented right now.'' None of the other three candidates in Hamilton East would comment on the affair last night. Fellow Government hopeful Stephen West said: "I have no idea what this is about and therefore I have no comment.'' PLP candidates Renee Webb and Derrick Burgess were also staying tight-lipped.

Ms Webb said: "I know about it but I have no comment.'' Mrs. Fox recently ran into trouble when a warrant was issued for her arrest in July after she ignored a court order to pay a $200 fine for driving without due care and attention. The warrant was scrapped when the penalty was paid.

Angelita Fox