David Burt sidelined input from MPs in the run-up to putting together the Throne Speech because he was too focused on getting re-elected as Progressive Labour Party leader, party sources have told The Royal Gazette.

The traditional “retreat” gathering where MPs present ideas to the Premier did not take place and instead ministers were asked to give three proposals which Mr Burt could then “choose or refuse”.

The move provoked “concern” and “disquiet” among MPs, the sources said.

A senior PLP source said: “There is normally a caucus of the parliamentary party. It is basically like a vote on what should be in the Throne Speech, but that did not happen this time.

“This precedent was not followed because the Premier was focused on the internal election — he made that clear.

“He went to ministers and asked for three ideas each, and then he would choose or refuse them. There is disquiet in the caucus about this.

“He seemed to just want to tick all the boxes about what was there that could be done easily, rather than push the envelope for something new.

“Why was the Throne Speech so short? Because he was short of ideas?”

Another well-placed PLP figure said there was “concern” about how the Throne Speech had been handled.

The source said: “There was no retreat this year. Usually there is a retreat in September or October where MPs present their wish list to ‘King David’, but that did not happen — and there is concern about that among MPs.

“MPs were basically told, ‘This is what you’re getting’.”

The opposition One Bermuda Alliance branded the set-piece legislative programme outlining the government agenda for the next 12 months as the “empty Throne Speech”.

Mr Burt secured the PLP leadership last month by 97 delegate votes to 56 against Curtis Dickinson, the former finance minister, in an at-times fractious campaign.

Alex Scott, a former PLP premier, said that Mr Burt had to appear less “autocratic” after he was reinstated as party leader.

Asked about Mr Scott’s comments at a post-Throne Speech press conference, Mr Burt said: “I value everybody’s opinion. I don’t know what he said specifically.

“I value the opinion of anyone who has had to serve in the high-pressure role as leader of a political party and as leader of the government.

“The whole issue of autocratic nature, etc … we have a Cabinet where I am first among equals, and all ministers have the opportunity to change views and policies and advance a matter to their own particular ministries.

“And so, whatever he would have said, what I would say is what’s important to the people of this country to know is that their Premier is listening, their ministers are listening.

“We have a strong and vibrant democracy and there is no autocracy in Bermuda.”

Sir John Swan, a former United Bermuda Party premier, said after the PLP leadership battle: “The Premier needs to work hard to bring the PLP back together. He needs to be inclusive.”

The PLP was contacted for comment.