revealed yesterday.

The United Bermuda Party veteran announced he will quit his Paget East seat on March 31 -- the same day as his successor as Premier David Saul will retire from his Devonshire South seat and politics.

Now both branch committees will meet on Monday to discuss successors for the seats held by the two former UBP leaders.

Yesterday Sen. Lynda Milligan-Whyte, UBP deputy chairman David Sullivan and former Women's Advisory Council chairman Kim Young were likely to be in the frame for the rock-solid UBP Paget East seat.

Grace Young, UBP branch chairman in Dr. Saul's Devonshire South, said one man had expressed an interest -- but she declined to name him.

Ms Young said: "There has been an individual who has shown interest -- but I'm not at liberty to disclose his name.'' Candidates emerge for by-elections The Royal Gazette , however, understands that dairy chief Michael Dunkley is the candidate.

Paget East branch chairman Campbell McBeath could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

Sir John -- speaking after congratulating new Premier Pamela Gordon yesterday -- confirmed he had spoken to his branch committee and set a date.

But he added: "Pamela Gordon has 100 percent of my support -- and I will help Ms Gordon and the UBP towards winning the next election.'' Sir John stunned the House of Assembly just before the Easter break by announcing he would not be back after the holiday.

But he caused confusion by adding that he would have to consult his branch -- and he admitted pressure could persuade him to hang on in the interests of the party.

But UBP chairman Sen. Gary Pitman confirmed Sir John's formal resignation had been received yesterday.

He added: `I know that all members of the United Bermuda Party will join me in thanking Sir John for his extraordinary 25 years of service to the party -- including 13 as Premier -- and in wishing him well in the years ahead.

"I hope he will continue to be interested in the affairs of the UBP and I hope that we may draw on his advice and counsel.'' Potential candidates for the two seats must come from the 20 to 30 names on the UBP approved candidates' list with sponsorship in the branch concerned.

If there is more than one candidate in each seat, a primary contest will be held to pick the by-election candidate.

Sen. Pitman said: "If there is only one approved candidate indicating sponsorship support, the branch will hold a special general meeting, rather than a primary, to adopt a candidate for the by-election.'' UBP maverick Sandy Frith-Brown has already vowed to stand as an "Independent UBP'' in Paget East.

Photos by David Skinner HEART AND SAUL! -- "People's Premier'' Pam Gordon gets a hug and a kiss from outgoing party Leader David Saul outside UBP headquarters yesterday.

SUITS US! -- The new United Bermuda Party top team, Premier Pam Gordon and Deputy Premier Jerome Dill, emerge from UBP headquarters yesterday minutes after Ms Gordon's first address to the party faithful as Premier-designate.