An order will be put before the House of Assembly for a Commission of Inquiry into “serious allegations of extortion” made against three members of the One Bermuda Alliance who were then sitting government ministers.

The notice was given yesterday morning in Parliament by Opposition MP Wayne Furbert.

Mr Furbert told the House the special commission, which would probe claims against Craig Cannonier, Senator Michael Fahy and Mark Pettingill, would consist of a minimum of three individuals “chosen from outside these aisles”.

On Sunday evening, Michael Dunkley accused the Progressive Labour Party leadership of self-serving political motives and a sustained programme of disinformation over the issue.

Responding in a statement yesterday, Mr Furbert said: “The response by Premier Dunkley is proof positive that he was only paying lip service to elevating the level of political discourse in this country.

“The PLP believes that getting to the bottom of serious corruption allegations and protecting the reputation of our island home is more important than political point scoring.

“We offered the One Bermuda Alliance the opportunity to come together with us and unite against corruption for a Bermuda that's reputation is as pristine as her people.

“Instead of coming together, the Premier responded with anger and vitriol.

“The Premier's latest tirade may play well with his political base, but is it in the best interest of the country? We think not.

“We urge the OBA to do the right thing, place the country first and come together with us and let's address these serious corruption allegations.”