A former deputy chairman of the One Bermuda Alliance has revealed serious concerns about the party as he elaborated on his reasons for departure in a stinging resignation letter.

Joseph Marable, who plans to stand as an independent candidate in the next General Election, hinted to The Royal Gazette there could be more rebels in the Opposition ready to jump.

Mr Marable, the operator of the Crawl Hill Tigermarket, had been approved in 2023 as the OBA candidate for Hamilton West (Constituency 6).

However, he told in his letter, seen by theGazette, of his disillusionment and “concerns” about the party’s direction.

Mr Marable stated that he could not “remain silent when fundamental principles are being challenged”.

Asked if he thought more party members would leave, he replied: “Possibly, I just feel that … well, I can only speak for myself.

“I stepped down as deputy chair more than a year ago. But the last straw for me was when Robert King was ousted. His removal … raised serious questions in my mind. Conflicts within the party undermined confidence in my mind.

“When they voted him out, he had only been in for six months. Seven MPs voted no confidence and I just felt at that point it was enough, although there were things going on before that.”

His departure followed the resignation in August of Mr King, the former leader of the party, after several turbulent months.

Mr King was ousted as the OBA leader in February before he quit the party to become an independent MP.

He had won a by-election for Smith’s North in May 2024 and secured his seat in the 2025 General Election before being unseated as leader after seven MPs signed a letter of no confidence in him.

Mr King said during his resignation: “On September 6, 2025, I was given the opportunity to lead the Opposition … six months later, I was removed as leader. I have spent the month since then trying to reconcile differences … but there comes a time when you have to be honest with yourself.

“My values and the direction of the organisation are no longer aligned.”

Now Mr Marable has also stepped away to become an independent candidate.

He said: “Over the past year, I have become increasingly concerned about the direction, internal culture and priorities of the party.

“I joined an organisation that I believe valued democratic participation, accountability, fairness and the empowerment of its members. Unfortunately, my experiences and observations have caused me to seriously question whether those principles remain central to its leadership and decision-making.

“The circumstances surrounding the removal of Robert King from the party have undermined my confidence in its ability to embrace meaningful change and respect the contributions of those working tirelessly at the grassroots level.

“These are the very people who knock on doors, build relationships, listen to residents and work to restore public confidences in the organisation. Their commitment and their voices deserve genuine respect.”

Mr Marable also pointed to turmoil in the governing Progressive Labour Party over the election of its new leader.

He said: “The recent court proceedings involving the PLP’s constitution have also reinforced an important principle — political organisations must respect their own democratic structures, rules and membership. That principle should apply equally to every political party, including the OBA.

“How can we ask the people of Bermuda to trust us with their votes if we cannot demonstrate that we genuinely respect democratic participation within our own organisation?

“We cannot credibly promise Bermuda a different approach to leadership while appearing unwilling to embrace the same standard within our own ranks.

“For me, this is not simply about personalities or individual leadership decisions. It is about principles, consistency and the integrity of the democratic process.

“I can no longer reconcile my understanding of public service with an organisational approach that I believe places too much emphasis on internal control and too little on empowering members, respecting differing perspectives and embracing their democratic expression.

“These challenges cannot be resolved through endless political division, internal power struggles or partisan disagreements that overshadow the practical needs of the people we aspire to serve. They demand co-operation, fresh thinking, accountability and leadership that genuinely listens.

“I have therefore concluded that remaining affiliated with the OBA would limit my ability to contribute in the manner I believe is necessary.”

He added: “I leave the OBA without bitterness towards those with whom I have worked, but with a clear conscience and a firm conviction that public service must always be guided by principles greater than party loyalty.”

The OBA has been approached for comment.