Milligan-Whyte threw in the towel.

And Premier Pamela Gordon is understood to be considering at least three names to replace Mrs. Milligan-Whyte.

The Premier is under pressure to get a new Senator -- and a Leader -- in place before the Senate reconvenes in around two weeks' time.

Ms Gordon, however, declined yesterday to discuss who she might have in mind for the Senate -- or as new leader.

Ms Gordon admitted yesterday that Mrs. Milligan-Whyte's decision was a disappointment -- although not a surprise to the party.

The Premier said: "Mrs. Milligan-Whyte has served Government well in a variety of positions and I really do regret that she has decided to go.

"I am reflecting on the position and what I can do in relation to best replacing her.'' The likely inside candidate for Leader would be UBP chairman Sen. Gary Pitman -- but it is believed party chiefs would be reluctant to place the extra burden on him.

It is understood that a new Senator taking over the leadership of the Upper House as well has not been ruled out.

UBP insiders believe it is probable the Premier will go for a Senator capable of standing for the House of Assembly -- and of putting up a good show in constituencies like Hamilton East, Warwick East or Warwick West.

And it is also expected the new Senator will ideally have a legal background in view of Mrs. Milligan-Whyte's Legislative Affairs role.

Mrs. Milligan-Whyte's move comes only weeks after the United Bermuda Party's Paget East branch delivered a slap in the face to the top-flight UBP insider, selecting political newcomer Kim Young as by-election candidate by a massive margin.

Mrs. Milligan-Whyte yesterday admitted the Paget East vote was a major influence on her decision to quit.

She said yesterday: "I have had 14 years working in the United Bermuda Party, experience in the Senate and Cabinet, but that did not qualify me to represent Paget East.'' Mrs. Milligan-Whyte pledged to stay on in the Senate as long as Ms Gordon wanted her minutes after Mrs. Young pushed her into a poor second place.

But she is understood to have formally tendered her resignation in a letter to Ms Gordon, which the Premier received on Friday.

Mrs. Milligan-Whyte entered the Senate -- for the second time -- in 1994, serving as Parliamentary Secretary for Finance.

After Sir John Swan resigned following the Independence Referendum in 1995, new Premier David Saul gave the Legislative Affairs and Women's Issues portfolio and made her Government Senate Leader.

The corporate lawyer also served in the Senate from 1987 to 1990, only leaving to concentrate on building up her legal practice. She stood unsuccessfully in the Southampton East constituency in the 1989 General Election.

Mrs. Milligan-Whyte said that she was confident a suitable replacement would be found for her -- although she declined to speculate on a successor.

She said: "There are a lot of people who have skills to offer the Country.'' Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness said Mrs. Milligan-Whyte will be sorely missed.

"I'm very sorry to see her leaving politics because she's a very competent, young black woman who has an awful lot to contribute.

"She did a first-class job as leader of the Government's business in the Senate and still has a lot to offer the country through the medium of politics,'' he said. "I just want to say that I understand her reasons and I wish her well.'' Lynda Milligan-Whyte