United Bermuda Party MP Jon Brunson resigned his seat yesterday to concentrate on a new job creating educational opportunities for disadvantaged Bermudians.

He denied his departure was to do with the United Bermuda Party's recent problems.

It has lost three elections on the trot, is still trailing the ruling Progressive Labour Party in the polls while some MPs believe the UBP needs to disband and make way for a new Opposition.

The UBP expects to select a new candidate for the relatively safe seat of Southampton West Central within the next two weeks for the forthcoming by-election, which must be held within two months.

Mr. Brunson was first elected in 2003 and held the seat at the 2007 election with a majority of 142 over PLP challenger Marc Bean.

Party chairman Michael Fahy said he expected about seven or eight names to come forward.

Already linked with the post are MPs who lost seats in the last election including former leader Michael Dunkley and David Dodwell who lost in neighbouring Southampton East Central.

Mr. Dunkley did not rule out running. He said: "I am committed to serving the party in anyway that comes up.

"I haven't even considered it yet – he just resigned today. It was a surprise to me."

Other names who might be in the frame include Senator Charlie Swan who fought neighbouring Southampton West in the last election, Gina Spence-Farmer who fought in Warwick North West and Wayne Scott who fought Warwick North Central.

A candidate will be selected by five people from the local branch and five people from head office but the date for the by-election is set by the Premier.

Party Chairman Michael Fahy said: "I am sure this will be a hotly-contested seat."

Mr. Brunson said he had not taken the decision to resign lightly. He added: "Earlier this year I accepted a new position – a position of a lifetime – with new responsibilities in the private sector that has led me to this decision.

"As the director of the Orbis Foundation Scholarship Program the first initiative of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, I am involved in extremely important work to create educational opportunities for disadvantaged Bermudians."

He said the Foundation was committed to ambitious scholarship and mentoring programmes to support young Bermudians from the start of their middle school years through to their graduation from senior secondary school.

"My new role can make life-changing differences in the lives of young Bermudians, and I am totally, 110 percent, committed to making this a success. As a result, I no longer have the time to succeed both at work and at politics."

But questioned about whether he was leaving because of the UBP's internal troubles he said: "There is no conspiracy theory.

"I am not leaving because the party might appear in the media to be going through difficult times. I believe in the UBP, that hasn't changed."

Deputy leader Cole Simons could not say when the party, which is looking for ways to make itself more attractive, would be finished with its internal wrangling.

He said Mr. Brunson, who had held the Youth, Sport and Recreation brief, had been well-respected within caucus and had worked well in various portfolios.

Reacting to UBP MP Jon Brunson's resignation, PLP Party Chairman David Burt said: "We thank MP Brunson for his service and look forward to a vigorous contest in the bye-election for Constituency #31. The PLP will conduct a strong, grassroots campaign on doorsteps across Southampton West Central."

Mr. Burt continued: "The voters will have a clear choice between a candidate of a weak and divided opposition that's failed to live up to it's commitments to the people of Bermuda and a candidate representing a party that is ably guiding our economy through tough times, encouraging the advancement of Bermudians in the local workforce, cracking down on crime and providing relief to Bermudians in the form of free day care for Bermudian families, free Bermuda College, free transportation for our students and expanded HIP benefits."