Former United Bermuda Party treasurer Edgar Wilkinson has defected to the Progressive Labour Party.

Mr. Wilkinson, a former chairman of the Bermuda Monetary Authority and confidante of Sir John Swan, was reluctant to discuss the switch yesterday.

He said: "I have always supported the Government in power."

Mr. Wilkinson said he left the UBP 17 years ago and joined the PLP in the last year or so. Sir John said he was surprised at the move and would not be following suit.