The Ulster Unionist Party could be completely divorced from the Orange Order as early as next year.
A new constitution and rules, drawn up by the party, is to be considered by the Ulster Unionist Council in the new year.
If implemented, the links forged in 1895 could be severed.
The breaking of the link would end the provision for 120 delegates from the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland to be represented on the council. Such a move could have legal and financial ramifications should the decision be taken against the wishes of the order.
The UUP would then be composed only of members of its parliamentary constituency associations, divisional associations, local and youth branches, the Westminster parliamentary group, the Northern Ireland Assembly group and district council groups, co-ordinated by the Ulster Unionist Councillors' Association.
The existing Ulster Unionist Council would disappear, with the leader, 13 party officers, an executive of 100-plus members and an assembly representative of the grassroots administering the party.
Senior figures in both camps favour keeping the link. However, Mr David Trimble and some of his close associates are understood to believe that radical changes are required if the party is to take a modern, pluralistic path.