Speaking for the first time on the call for Premier Jennifer Smith's resignation, Progressive Labour Party (PLP) backbencher Wayne Perinchief said he was disappointed that the effort had been leaked to the media.

But he said the process had been "cathartic" and there was already a "better working relationship" between the backbench and the cabinet members.

"I'd just say any breach of trust is deplorable and regrettable," Mr. Perinchief, who represents Pembroke West in Parliament, said. "In any group you have to have a very high element of trust."

He added: "We are working on reconciliation on all fronts... I honestly believe all of us, the whole party feels they can continue to go forward in a constructive fashion."

Meanwhile, PLP branch meetings are taking place across the island to give the grassroot members an opportunity to ask questions and express their feelings.

Mr. Perinchief referred The Royal Gazette to Pembroke branch chairman Scott Pearman for an account of a meeting held by the branch this week.

He said the mood during the meeting was one of "puzzlement" but there was no tension. "They wanted some answers from their representatives. We already had a close rapport with the branch."

The meeting was well attended, said Mr. Pearman. "A number of opinions were expressed. My branch has asked me to report the outcome to the Central Committee and I'll be doing that."

He added: "The questions were similar to what everybody else is asking to be quite honest and that's where it started. Everyone has questions on what took place and why it took place. People were genuinely interested in what the situation was. I wouldn't say it was puzzlement but they were really looking for the facts."

At a meeting of the parliamentary group two weeks ago, Premier Jennifer Smith was asked to resign in a motion read by Mr. Perinchief. She refused and the matter resulted in a hung vote.