More than 700 people have signed a petition calling for British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to step in and ask Premier Ewart Brown to resign.

Bermudian Richard Burton is behind the petition, which was launched on Friday and is hosted directly on the official website of 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister's office in London.

The petition is described as the work of a group called 'Ewart Brown Must Step Down', and reads: "The leadership of this Country seems to be on a course heading toward dictatorship that the majority of Bermudians are no longer willing to tolerate.

"This latest action is the final straw. We are fed up, disgusted, disrespected and angry."

Once submitted, the online petition will be passed to officials who work for the Prime Minister in Downing Street.

This is the latest in a series of grassroots efforts by disaffected locals seeking a change in leadership.

Last week six Bermudians led by Janice Battersbee organised two protest demonstrations outside the Cabinet building following Dr. Brown's controversial decision to resettle Guantánamo detainees without consulting his Cabinet, the Governor or UK authorities.

Since its inception, the Downing Street petition has caused some division among those seeking Dr. Brown's resignation.

The co-organisers of last week's rallies have moved to distance themselves from the document, asking that Bermudians wait until legal advice has been sought before signing anything.

"The originator is someone whose intentions are right, but the timing is wrong," co-organiser Anne Hyde wrote on the Bermudians Against Government Corruption Facebook group, which has attracted over 1500 members since the detainee controversy began.

"Please do not sign the petition. Bermuda needs the chance to fix its own problems before going to the UK Government. Have patience. There is a plan."

Fellow protest organiser Erica Rance-Cariah added in a separate note: "We understand that people want to do the 'right thing', however we insist that any actions taken be taken in an appropriate manner with respect for all and after receiving legal advice."

Mr. Burton did not respond to a request for comment.