of their leader if reforms being considered by the party are passed.

The UBP is preparing to restructure its Constitution and the way it selects its leader and parliamentary candidates.

The review is to update the party to take into account that it is now in opposition rather than government.

At its annual general meeting last week, the UBP discussed reports from sub-committees looking at reform of the party.

The changes will take effect in February if the party's Central Council -- consisting of all MPs, UBP Senators and representatives of its 20 branches -- approve the reports.

UBP chairman Austin Woods refused to disclose details of the proposed changes yesterday.

But The Royal Gazette understands one plan under consideration is to give party members a say in electing the leader. Currently, only MPs vote for the party leader.

Another reform would be to change the way Parliamentary candidates are selected. At present, candidates can be selected by primary elections of UBP constituency members.

The UBP has recognised it will have to change its structures to deal with being in Opposition because, for example, it no longer has the power to set General Election or by-election dates.

The party also recognises it will have to adapt its structures if the single seat constituencies proposed by Government are eventually introduced.

Mr. Woods said: "There were reports submitted. The officers of the party are now doing a restructuring and that will be done in the New Year.

"The present officers will remain until the restructuring takes place. It will have to be approved by the Central Council and we are in the throes of changing our constitution.'' Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister John Barritt said: "We've had an ongoing review of our constitution since day one (after the election) because we are the Opposition and much of it was designed with us as the governing party.''