Ciara Desmond was appointed leader following the resignation of Hillary Frederick. In the July 2544 elections, Desmond won 14.39% and came in third. She also helped the party pick up 10 seats. On December 19, 2544, Ciara Desmond resigned the leadership of the BDP. Many were shocked and Desmond gave no explaination. However, it was revealed she had had an affair with Infrastructure and Transport Minister Horacio Marquez. After her resignation, she and Marquez continued to date, however, their relationship quickly turned bloody. The two got into an argument one night and Marquez murdered Desmond.