Paget West by-election for the United Bermuda Party in a two-horse race against ex-MP Ann Cartwright DeCouto. But the move could now spark a stand by ex-party deputy chairman David Sullivan in protest at a claimed railroading of the UBP's constitution.

Sen. Patricia Gordon Pamplin pipped former Pembroke West Central MP Mrs.

Cartwright DeCouto with a final tally of 35 votes to 21. Mr. Sullivan said last night: "I'll have to keep my powder dry -- I'll have to consider that.'' But he added that his rebel stand was because the selection process was "held on dubious constitutional grounds.'' Earlier in the day, former Deputy Premier Jerome Dill pulled out of the race, as did Anthony Steede and Roddy Simons Jr., Mrs Gordon Pamplin -- who stood for the party in Pembroke East Central in last November's election -- said: "I'm elated but humble.'' Gordon Pamplin wins UBP by-election nod And she pledged: "I'm taking nothing for granted -- I'll give it my very best effort.

"Paget West has historically been very kind towards the UBP and we have a lot of work to do to try and rebuild some of the trust which was lost at the last election.'' The March 31 by-election was caused by the tragic death of new MP Madeline Joell.

But Mr. Sullivan questioned why the choice had come down to two people who failed to win a mandate last November -- and when both have had differences with the UBP.

Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto led the rebel five who came out against Sir John Swan's Referendum on Independence and fought the burger wars against the opening of McDonald's in Bermuda.

And Mrs. Gordon Pamplin stood as an Independent in 1993 -- a stand widely believed to have cost then-Government Minister Gerald Simons his seat.

Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto said: "I'm disappointed -- but I wish Pat the best.'' And she ruled out any kind of challenge to last night's result. The UBP consititution may not have ruled out a primary challenge possibility.

But Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto said she intended to leave the matter where it stood.