The United Bermuda Party has elected a new executive -- with Gwyneth Rawlins becoming the party's first female chairman and former MP Tim Smith becoming party secretary.

Ms Rawlins said Anthony Steede, Glen Smith, Pauline Richards were elected as Deputy Chairs of the UBP. Tim Smithwas announced as Party Secretary, while Jim Butterfield was reconfirmed as Party Treasurer.

Ms Rawlins said that she could not be more proud of the diverse leadership team they have assembled.

"Our new UBP Executive team bring a broad range of experience and passion for promoting the goal of bringing us together and moving us ahead," said Ms Rawlins.

Anthony Steede, who ran in the 2003 election in Sandys North Central, previously served as deputy chairman of the UBP.

"Anthony's commitment to the New UBP and to the people of Bermuda is unswerving," Ms Rawlins said. "He will bring a powerful voice and valuable insight to the UBP, as we build on our efforts to form the next Government."

Mr. Steede said he had been a supporter of the UBP for a very long time.

"I have seen the Party rise from the ashes after the 1998 Election to become a strong and effective opposition ready to form the next Government," Mr. Steede said.

"I am not here for the titles or the accolades, I am here to strengthen the Party and continue us on the path of forming the next Government."

President and chief executive officer of IBC, Glen Smith, is a first time member of the UBP Party Executive.

Ms Rawlins said Mr. Smith had worked tirelessly for the Party at the grass-roots and national levels.

"He has been a valuable member of our team and, as deputy chair, Glen's diligence, integrity and organisational skills will contribute greatly to the Party's continued success," said Ms Rawlins.

Pauline Richards is a former Party spokesperson and is the wife of the former Telecommunications Minister Bob Richards has also been elected to a Deputy chair slot.

"Pauline is a great asset to the UBP," Ms Rawlins said. "She has a track record of success and brings a wealth of business and community experience that will strengthen our team and take our efforts to the next level."

Former MP for Paget West and president and chief executive officer of A.F. Smith, Tim Smith served from 1993 to 2003 in the House of Assembly.

"As Shadow Minister of Education, Tim was compassionate and an articulate advocate for providing our children with a world class education," said Ms Rawlins.

"That compassion and commitment remains unchanged and as Party Secretary he will ensure that not only the mind, but the heart of the Party will remain focused on making life better for all Bermudians.

Mr. Smith said he strongly believed that the people who make up the UBP all over this Island were talented, committed and sincere about taking good care of Bermuda.

"After losing my seat, I was not ready to retire," said Mr. Smith. "I am still committed to the party and to the people of Bermuda. I still want too make a contribution."

Jim Butterfield president and chief executive officer of Butterfield and Vallis has returned as Party Treasurer.

"We are honoured and appreciative of the longstanding commitment to the UBP displayed by Mr. Butterfield," said Ms Rawlins.

"He continues to insure that the Party remains on sound financial footing and we owe him a tremendous debt for the time and energy he has devoted to keeping the Party in good financial order."