United Bermuda Party Leader Kim Swan yesterday defended his party and his tenure from criticism from party member Wayne Furbert.

Mr. Furbert told The Royal Gazette that he is giving his failing party one last chance to change or he will quit and sit as an independent MP.

In response to Mr. Furbert indicating that although high goals are shared there is no team spirit to get the party there, Mr. Swan said: "Everyone in the United Bermuda Party is committed to change, and the formation of an internal committee to recommend changes reflects that commitment."

Mr. Furbert criticised the UBP's recent internal report, which was produced by a five-person committee, chaired by former candidate Wayne Scott saying that it was "as useless as the paper it was written on".

He said he was disgusted with the report which failed to map a way forward out of the malaise.

Mr. Swan defended the draft report saying that it was the first step in a multi-step process in which party members work together to make sure changes are adopted to improve the party's position.

He said: "We would like Mr. Furbert to be a part of this process, but he has to recognize that the work requires discipline, team spirit and the respect for party rules and procedures that govern us — something he should understand better than most."

He added: "For the record, I embrace the need for change. It is important for us to connect with all Bermudians and to that end my colleagues and I will continue to work together for a result that works best for the party and Bermuda. This is a journey. First steps are important but the final result is what matters most.

Mr. Swan said that in the meantime, the United Bermuda Party would continue speaking to the needs of the people.

"Given the government's failing management of issues and the serious economic challenges before us, the need for a strong opposition is more important today than ever. Holding the government to account remains Mission One for us."