Premier Jennifer Smith wants the Island's Governor to be recalled, according to British sources.

One said: "It seems clear that Bermuda's Premier would like to see a change in Governor as early as possible.'' The Royal Gazette has been told that Ms Smith discussed the issue with Foreign Office junior Minister Baroness Symons at a meeting in London last month.

It is understood Ms Smith believes an appointee made by a Labour Government would be more sympathetic to a PLP Government and its plans.

UK sources added that the midway mark of a Governor's term would be around the time the British Government started to think about the next three-year appointment.

But UK House of Commons insiders admitted they were not sure whether Ms Smith wants an immediate recall -- or whether she wants Governor Thorold Masefield replaced at the end of his three-year term, which has a little over a year to run.

Mr. Masefield, although a career diplomat, was appointed under a Conservative Government.

The Royal Gazette did not receive a response to questions put to the Premier through Government Information Services.

Yesterday, a Foreign Office spokesman refused to comment on the claims.

And he added: "It would be grossly discourteous for the Foreign Office to give briefings on what a foreign dignitary has said.'' Deputy Governor Tim Gurney added: "We are not aware of any such conversation.'' Controversy has already broken out over the role and responsibilities of the Governor and that of Government.

The powerful commission which picks top Civil Servants and Police chiefs, the Public Service Commission, is appointed by the Governor -- and members can only be removed by him.

Under the Constitution, the Governor makes his picks after consultation with the Premier, who must consult the leader of the Opposition.

PSC chairman Stephen Kendell confirmed that the Premier had asked the five-strong commission to quit -- but it was reported Mr. Masefield has refused Government requests to remove members so new appointments could be made.

The PSC -- which also has responsibility for appeals on disciplinary matters -- will have a crucial role in the next year or so after Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay's contract runs out and a decision has to be made on his replacement.

The Island's last Governor, Lord Waddington, was also a Conservative Government appointment.

He was an ex-MP and Minister who was given a peerage before being asked to take over the Bermuda job.

Lord Waddington -- a former Home Secretary -- served two terms on the Island before going back to the UK.