Senate newcomer Angelita Fox and Alan Marshall are set to challenge for seats in the House of Assembly.

This week Ms Fox was emerging as a leader on the eastern front in the UBP's regiment of new faces, according to party insiders.

Ms Fox is in the frame for Hamilton East, the seat currently held by Renee Webb (PLP) and former PLP MP Trevor Woolridge, now an Independent -- which could turn out to be a key battle in the next election.

Ms Fox and Mr. Marshall were only sworn in as Senators at Government House last month.

UBP Smith's North MP Leonard Gibbons has already announced he will not stand at the next election -- and running mate, Speaker of the House Ernest DeCouto is also considering stepping down.

And that would pave the way for Sen. Allan Marshall and Bank of Bermuda executive Cole Simons to pair up to take over the UBP safe safe seat.

Mr. DeCouto told The Royal Gazette he had been considering stepping down after more than a quarter century in the House.

But he added: "I'm just waiting to hear when the Premier announces an election before making a final decision. But it seems to be heading in that direction.'' Smith's North branch chairman Bobby Rego declined to comment on Mr. DeCouto's future, saying any decision was entirely up to the MP.

But he confirmed Mr. Simons and Mr. Marshall -- both Smith's North residents and branch members -- were being considered as approved candidates by the party's Central Committee.

The other new Senator, Government Leader Sen. ET (Bob) Richards -- born and brought up in the UBP/PLP split Warwick East -- has already been reported to be likely to stake a claim to a seat in the Lower House through that constituency.

Meanwhile, the Hamilton East branch of the PLP is still considering a replacement candidate for the Rev. Trevor Woolridge, who quit the party whip after being convicted of sexually assaulting a woman parishioner to sit as an Independent.

He said he would not contest the seat for the PLP again, but it is understood he could be reconsidering his decision after his conviction was overturned on appeal to Supreme Court.

Hamilton East branch chairman Winters Burgess said "four or five'' people had come forward to express an interest in contesting the seat with Shadow Health and Social Services Minister Renee Webb.