Shawn Crockwell (right) listens as Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert speaks at a press conference today. Mr. Crockwell was named chairman of the United Bermuda Party today after Gwyneth Rawlins resigned.

Less than 24 hours after United Bermuda Party chairman Gywneth Rawlins quit after alleging racism, the party suffered another blow today when it was revealed front bench stalwart Maxwell Burgess would stand down at the next election.

The news comes just two weeks after MP Jamahl Simmons also resigned saying a white clique had been seeking to oust him.

At a press conference party leader Wayne Furbert said assertions made by Mrs. Rawlins were untrue and malicious.

He said: "Looking back on the events of the past two weeks, what has happened and what has been said has all the appearances of an orchestrated campaign."

However he declined to say who was behind the alleged campaign but said the party would fight on as he introduced new chairman Shawn Crockwell, a lawyer who has reformed his life after being convicted for stealing $600,000 of heroin in 1995.

Mr. Crockwell, who was elected deputy chairman of the UBP in December, admitted the task facing the UBP was not easy.

He said: "Those of you who know my life's story will know that I am not a stranger to overcoming adversity."

Mr. Furbert denied rumours Maxwell Burgess, the party's Home Affairs spokesman, was about to switch to the PLP but said he was stepping down at the next election for business reasons.

See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for full reports and reaction.

See The Royal Gazette video link for footage of Mr. Furbert's press conference today.

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