announced yesterday.

Mr. Lister, 52, who represents Sandys South, was elected unanimously to succeed Mr. Stanley Lowe, the PLP said.

First elected in 1976, Mr. Lister served as Opposition Whip after the 1985 general election, when the party held only seven seats.

Despite dissent within the United Bermuda Party, Mr. Lister said he did not have an easier job than UBP Whip Mr. Richard Spurling.

"With the numbers so close, the Opposition Whip has an even greater responsibility to ensure that people work with the Whip so we can achieve our objectives,'' he said.

Government holds a 21-18 edge in the House of Assembly.

Mr. Lister was among a small group of Opposition MPs who backed Sen. Terry Lister in his bid for the PLP leadership last year.