Bermuda’s new Opposition party could end up being led by somebody outside the House of Assembly.United Bermuda Party Senator Michael Dunkley and Bermuda Democratic Alliance leader Craig Cannonier are both touted as leadership contenders after the amalgamation.It’s understood whoever leads the new group immediately after the merger tipped to be UBP MP John Barritt would only be allowed to do so on an interim basis.That would leave Mr Barritt out of the running when a long-term leader is elected weeks or even months after the new party is formed.UBP leader Kim Swan, maintaining his silence as talks between the two parties continue in his absence, is deemed to have no chance of taking charge of the new group, with his leadership cited as a factor in three UBP MPs quitting to form the BDA.Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards’ chances are damaged by his defeat to Mr Swan at a UBP leadership election in November 2009, while UBP MP Patricia Gordon-Pamplin has previously opted out of leadership races.Former UBP leader Grant Gibbons is considered too much of a symbol of the old UBP, while other MPs are said to lack either the experience or backing to take charge.Sen Dunkley and Mr Cannonier are both said to enjoy support, despite the former losing his seat at the last general election, and the latter having never been an MP.A Mindmaps poll last month showed 27 percent of voters thought Sen Dunkley should lead an amalgamated Opposition party, easily the highest score of all Opposition politicians, and doing well among blacks and whites.BDA members are said to be keen on one of their own members, and Mr Cannonier is considered a likely bet as none of their three MPs challenged at the BDA leadership election last year.One option would be for a long-serving UBP MP to stand down, forcing a by-election in a safe Opposition seat which would allow a way into the House for a non-MP.Reacting to an article in last Friday’s Bermuda Sun that he is being lined up as leader, Mr Barritt said yesterday: “It is pretty well known, I think, that I have been involved in talks with members of the BDA with a view to transforming the current political dynamic in Bermuda through the development of a new party from within the UBP and the BDA, which I also happen to believe is in the best interests of Bermuda.“It is to this end that I have been working, and in this regard I have indicated that I would be prepared to consider any post or position that might help bring this about. Beyond that, I have no further comment at this time.”Meanwhile, BDA Immigration spokesman Alex DeCouto yesterday confirmed he had resigned from the Alliance.It’s understood several BDA members have indicated they will not be joining the amalgamated party amid frustration things didn’t work out for their party as a single entity.Politicians on both sides yesterday said it is extremely unlikely a deal will now be reached before the Budget.