The Progressive Labour Party has maintained its lead over the United Bermuda Party in the latest Royal Gazette poll — but both saw their support decline as voters ponder a third party.

Thirty-six percent of people said they would vote PLP in a General Election, compared to 28 percent for the UBP, in a Research.bm survey earlier this month. In the previous poll in June, the PLP led by 43 to 35.

In a separate question, voters were asked the likelihood of them voting for a third party — 36 percent replied yes, 36 percent replied no, with the rest undecided.

Support for the concept of a new party was strongest among young people, with 48 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds likely to vote for one. Among those over 65, the figure tails off to 19 percent.

The poll, which involved 400 registered voters and has a margin of error of 4.9 percent, was carried out between October 7 and 13.

On September 13, MPs Shawn Crockwell, Donte Hunt and Mark Pettingill quit the UBP, saying they were going to start their own party to remove the racial division out of Bermuda politics. They have since revealed little information about their new organisation, but have said it will have a manifesto of equal opportunity, social justice, security and fiscal conservatism.

Mr. Crockwell said on behalf of his group yesterday: "The fact that a third party is receiving the same projected voting support as the Government, at this extremely early stage, is encouraging.

"It augments the fact that Bermudians are ready for a new political organisation with a new vision. At this time our focus will continue to be on galvanising this movement for change and developing a new political voice that represents the interests of all Bermudians.

"Clearly the people are aware that a new political entity that embraces a better way to do politics is imminent and the fact that young people are inclined to support us speaks volumes.

"We will be launching our vision and organisation soon and anticipate even greater support from the people once they see what we stand for and the dynamic individuals who are standing beside us."

With Bermuda still awaiting the third party's launch, the poll's questions mainly focused on the two established parties.

It showed the PLP's performance approval rating dropped from 37 percent to 33 percent. And the results show opinion of the UBP has sunk even lower than before, with nine percent approving of the party's performance since the 2007 election, down from 12 percent in June.

This comes after a succession of blows to the UBP in the aftermath of leader Kim Swan's unsuccessful motion of no confidence in Premier Ewart Brown in late June.

As well as the departures of the three MPs, the UBP lost Senator Michael Fahy, chairman Sean Pitcher and former candidate Wayne Scott to the new party, with up to 20 reported resignations across the branches.

Well-known UBP members were also in the news in the run-up to the poll, with deputy leader Trevor Moniz publicly criticising Mr. Swan; veteran MP John Barritt saying he was considering quitting; Senate leader Michael Dunkley saying some MPs no longer had the stomach for the battle; and Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards planning to replace Mr. Swan as leader.

A UBP spokesman said yesterday: "The bottom line for both political parties is reflected in the answers to the question of 'who would you vote for if an election were held tomorrow?'

"Both the UBP and the PLP have seen a drop of seven points in their support to 28 percent and 36 percent respectively, while there is only a minimal increase in support for other parties and independents.

"It's clear that there is serious disillusionment with both political parties and politics as they currently operate.

"It is no secret the United Bermuda Party has been going through a tough period, and the Research.bm poll reflects that. We note that while the 28 percent figure for the UBP is poor, it's still significantly above the dismal 19 percent level reached for the UBP under Wayne Furbert's leadership.

"The reality is that voters are sending all politicians a message that their ways of doing things must change and we in the UBP are open to that message. We are in the midst of changing the way we conduct business and believe that renewed levels of support will follow."

PLP spokesman Wentworth Christopher said the poll was flawed, saying the party would explain why today.