Milligan-Whyte who resigned after failing to win the backing of the United Bermuda Party faithful.

Ms Gordon is due to return from Washington D.C. today following another round of talks with senior US politicians about the clean-up of the former bases.

Last night the Premier was in Washington and unavailable for comment. However, Deputy Premier Jerome Dill said he expected an announcement today.

"One of the Premier's first priorities when she lands from Washington will be to make a statement with respect to the new Senator,'' said Mr. Dill.

It is understood that E.T. (Bob) Richards -- son of Bermuda's first black Premier, Sir Edward Richards -- will fill the post.

Senator to be named Mr. Richards is president of Bermuda Asset Management and general manager of affiliated exempted company Invesco Global Asset Management.

Mrs. Milligan-Whyte was the Government's Senate leader and it is thought it is unlikely that her replacement will assume the same responsibility.

However Government is staying tightlipped about who will become its leader in the Upper House. Mrs. Milligan-Whyte's successor is due to take up the reins when the Senate starts sitting again tomorrow.

But it is likely that the Government Senate Leader will also join the Cabinet.

The other Government Senators are Gary Pitman, who is also the UBP chairman, Yvette Swan, also the Community and Cultural Affairs Minister, Larry Scott and Noela Haycock.

Mrs. Milligan-Whyte ran in the primary in Paget East but lost out to Kim Young who was chosen by the UBP faithful to fight the by-election caused by the resignation of former Premier Sir John Swan.

Soon after the loss Mrs. Milligan-Whyte announced she was stepping down from the Senate.

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