United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan last night delivered a passionate speech to supporters of his reeling party — but only 13 of them turned up to hear it.

The special meeting in Warwick West had been called after local MP Mark Pettingill quit the UBP to form a new party along with fellow defectors Shawn Crockwell and Donte Hunt earlier this month.

Determined to show he would not let the party roll over and die following its public battering over the past two weeks, Mr. Swan raised his voice, waved his arms and pointed his fingers in a visible display of defiance at St. Mary's Church Hall.

In an apparent reference to the UBP's need to cast aside its elitist image, Mr. Swan picked up a briefcase and called out: "You are not going to do it this way!", before whipping off his jacket and bellowing: "You are going to do it this way!"

"I'm here to fight back a little bit," he said. "I'm here to tell you that this Country deserves people that care about it."

He went on to say it was time for the UBP to celebrate its diversity and appreciate how much its people have in common.

"The time comes that we have to stop being afraid of heritage and embrace it," said Mr. Swan.

There was warm applause for Mr. Swan from the spattering of individuals across the room – whose numbers swelled to 16 if you include a reporter and fellow speakers Sen. Jeanne Atherden and Jeff Sousa – with some reaching out to shake the party leader's hand as he left for another meeting later in the evening in St. George's.

MPs Bob Richards, Cole Simons and Charlie Swan joined the proceedings to increase the attendance as the meeting went on, but the total present were easily outnumbered by empty chairs throughout.

Mr. Sousa gave a speech announcing he had been elected party chairman following a brief period as interim chair after the resignation of Sean Pitcher.

He hit back at Mr. Pettingill's labelling of him as "Mr. Environment" earlier this week, saying: "Yes, I'm concerned about all 13,430 acres of our precious Island.

"I'm concerned about the reduction of our land. In 2007, I fought to save Southlands for the people of Warwick. Yes, I'm concerned about the environment we are currently living in when our seniors are scared to live in their own homes."

Suggesting he could be set to fight against Mr. Pettingill in Constituency 28 at the next election, Mr. Sousa said: "I'm honoured to be chairman of the United Bermuda Party and look forward to the possibility of representing you in the House of Assembly and can assure you that I will work hard for you and I will not let you down."

In a reference to Mr. Pettingill, he said: "I want to assure you guys that the party will select a candidate in Warwick West who will work hard for you.

"As chair I will work in bringing in people that once they have decided they want to get involved in politics are not worried about themselves but want to work for you the people."

Sen. Atherden spoke of the need for people to get involved with the party and said quarterly or monthly local meetings could help it rebuild.

Several supporters put forward suggestions for a way back for a party which, according to one audience member, has "imploded".

One woman, from Friswell's Hill in Pembroke, spoke of the need for the UBP to get out and about, explaining: "Those people back of town need to see us more."

One man said people should not be afraid of speaking about the UBP's legacy.

Another man said: "The UBP needs to stand up for what is right. Do that and people will come."