Gwyneth Rawlins yesterday became the latest former senior United Bermuda Party figure to reveal she's joined the Progressive Labour Party.Ms Rawlins who quit as UBP chairwoman three years ago claiming a white elite ruled the party said she would one day like to run as an MP for the ruling party and raise the representation of women in Parliament.She said she feels vindicated for her switch after former UBP Minister Maxwell Burgess announced his own move to the PLP this week.“I didn't join with any fanfare; neither did I want to but I did want to pledge my allegiance to the PLP by joining,” Ms Rawlins told The Royal Gazette yesterday.“It was the only way I can truly contribute to the extent that I wanted to.”Ms Rawlins was a UBP candidate at the 2003 general election but quit in the run-up to the 2007 election, alleging some blacks were brought in as candidates simply to make the party seem diverse.“But I was still interested in the political process,” she said yesterday. “I was interested in what happens here in Bermuda.“I began to look around and consider where I might want to put down roots. I decided on the PLP because quite frankly I think that's where things are happening right now. It's the PLP's time.”Ms Rawlins said of Mr Burgess' move: “I was absolutely delighted when I heard he had joined the PLP because Maxwell Burgess has a lot to offer.“He's very politically astute, he knows what he's talking about and is very well researched.“His move confirmed my own decision. If Max can join the PLP, I wasn't too far wrong making that move myself.”She added that she would like to run in an election if the opportunity arises, explaining: “We need to increase the number of women legislators. We need women who are not afraid to stand up.”The recruitment of Mr Burgess drew a mixed reaction from the PLP yesterday, with some welcoming his talent and experience and others questioning his motivation.Backbencher Dale Butler said: “Mr Burgess' commitment to the Country is admirable so he should be welcomed by all Bermudians.“He is a hard worker and determined to get things done. Given his varied experience I am sure that this will assist in a variety of ways and help set the tone for breaking down barriers that have been created along party lines and helps us focus on Bermuda.”However, PLP supporter and political commentator Jonathan Starling labelled Mr Burgess as well as fellow former UBP MPs Wayne Furbert and Jamahl Simmons “turncoats” for joining their oldest rivals.Mr Starling said: “We have today in the PLP at least three turncoats from the UBP: former UBP MPs who are all currently PLP members.“One sits now as a PLP MP, the other benefitted from political appointments under the previous PLP leader, and this new turncoat is being associated with running as a PLP candidate in the next election.“This current situation leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. While the PLP has long been metamorphosing into a version of the UBP of old, having such public events like these really brings it home.”Asked why so many UBP figures like himself have joined the PLP in recent times, Mr Simmons replied: “There comes a time when you get tired of fighting for a change that will never come, a mindset that will never alter and against agendas that are the antithesis to the interests of the black, the poor and the average working man.”Mr Simmons said those who have switched from UBP to PLP have tended to be left of centre, with greater ties to the wider community.He continued: “Maxwell's departure from the UBP deprives them of experienced leadership, a keen political mind and perhaps most significantly a former MP with a proven track record in winning in constituencies where the UBP's traditional base is the minority.“While I personally have felt the need to pay my dues and work to earn the trust of my fellow party members, I have had an overwhelmingly positive experience with the PLP.“When you have rank and file members embrace you, welcome you home, work with you and defend you and encourage you, despite your political history, it is a feeling that you can't express with mere words.”UBP candidate Allan Marshall, who could face Mr Burgess in Hamilton South at the next election, said he respected his former colleague, while a spokesman for the official Opposition said: “Mr Burgess has not been a part of this party for quite a long time now, so we have no comment to make on his political activity.”