What next for the UBP?
Date Posted: Wednesday, December 19, 2007Author: Christen Pears
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The UBP went into the election full of confidence but after another defeat at the polls and the loss of leader Michael Dunkley, the party finds itself in turmoil.
Mr Dunkley set the tone for his party’s campaign, giving up his safe seat in Devonshire East and vowing to take Smith’s North from PLP incumbent Patrice Minors.
“If you want to win the election, you need to win more seats,” he said.
It was a huge gamble but it didn’t pay off. When the results came in it was Patrice Minors 536 and Michael Dunkley 444.
The Milkman returned to UBP headquarters to rapturous applause and an uncertain political future.
Speculation has now begun about the future of the party. The first step will be to choose a new leader. Some political commentators predict Louise Jackson will give up her seat to make way for Mr Dunkley’s return. Others expect Deputy Leader Patricia Gordon-Pamplin to act as a caretaker until another leader is elected. Former leader Wayne Furbert, who was ousted by Mr Dunkley earlier this year, is being tipped as a future candidate. Bob Richards, the former senator who won Devonshire South last night, could also be in the running.
But will a new leader be enough to turn around the party’s fortunes? There were UBP victories last night in the key marginals of St George’s West and St George’s South for Kim Swan and Donte Hunt respectively. Mark Pettingill defeated George Scott in Warwick West while Darius Tucker held off Wayne Caines in Hamilton South but the party failed to win other target seats.
Former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith defeated three-time challenger Kenny Bascome in St George’s North and in Warwick North East Dale Butler held his seat against Gina Spence-Farmer.
Despite its confidence, the party made no net gains and now talk inside and outside the party has turned to restructuring or at the very least rebranding. PLP commentator Julian Hall even suggested that the UBP disband and form another party.