The former leader of the One Bermuda Alliance revealed that he invited two other opposition MPs to run for the leadership of the party before throwing his hat into the ring.

Robert King, who resigned from the party as Shadow Minister of Justice on Sunday, told The Royal Gazette that his motivation for running for Leader of the Opposition last year had been to improve the quality of life for Bermudians, not to win the top job in the party.

Mr King, who was ousted from his leadership position in February just six months after being sworn in, declined to reveal which MPs he invited.

The now independent MP for Smith’s North (Constituency 10) told the Gazette yesterday: “When I ran for leader, I had approached two other OBA MPs before me to run for leader.

“I said change needs to happen. I was not confident things would change if the leadership was not challenged.

“I said to them, I will do whatever I can to support you; I will canvass with you, I will get you the support, you can pick whoever you want to run with you as deputy. Just tell me what you need and I will be there for you.

“It was only after they declined, for their reasons, that I put my name forward.

“It has never been about me — it’s been about what is in the best interests of the country.”

Mr King said previously that he had spent the time since being ousted to “reconcile differences” but had not gained confidence in the party, now led by Ben Smith.

It was understood that seven MPs signed a letter of no confidence in Mr King’s position as leader ahead of his removal.

“I was voted in by the members, and a certain group of politicians decided that I was not the right person for the party,” Mr King said.

“I continued to do my job as an MP to the best of my ability, but what I witnessed and experienced over time was that the working relationship was not working.

“I got voted in to promote and effect change. My vision and the vision of those who were at the helm, our approach, our styles, our mission are different in terms of how we would achieve that.”

Mr King said he had not faced any negative feedback from his constituents about becoming an independent MP despite having been voted in as a member of the OBA. However, he did admit there was “anxiety” in Bermuda about going against the established two-party system.

“The consideration of independents being able to exert influence and really advocate for us, with the exception of some European countries and others, is not something we embrace.

“Even though we can see there are some flaws within the current system, we are used to it. We believe in the ability of our parties to deliver for us, and even when they don’t, our beliefs are unwavering. It’s the same way that people are Catholic or Anglican or Seventh-day — it is faith-based.

“It is very difficult to convince somebody of an independent if they subscribe to loyalty. When we are in the House of Assembly, we are all independents, 36 of us representing our constituents and the country.

“Those constituents I have heard from are supportive; they have confidence I will continue to advocate for them, to represent them and the community as a whole in holding the Government to account.

“I am untethered. I can speak freely and will do my best for the community.”

Scott Pearman, the deputy leader of the OBA, said around the time of Mr King’s ousting that MPs had voiced concerns about his leadership style.

Mr King defended his approach, saying: “My leadership style is to be contemplative, so that people have a say before decisions are made and there is consideration for the input given.

“I changed out some senators, which was my prerogative. There was some pushback from that, as there ordinarily is.

“In terms of the changing of the shadow ministries, that was done in full consultation with the Whip. Initially, I was going to make some drastic changes, or changes I believed made sense.

“I listened to the advice and counsel of the Whip, and made the changes that were accepted as being the most appropriate. That was the process for the appointments and reassignments of roles, and that is what I did.

“The problem was that I ran for leader when they thought it wasn’t my time for leader, that I had not been there long enough.”

He said he believed he had been ready to lead and that one man’s voice was enough to make meaningful change.

“I am one person who has taken a stance to say that I am going to fight for my constituents,” he said.

“I am suggesting that the OBA is not my home any more. I am suggesting that the PLP under the current administration and the way it functions is not either.

“I also know that the power of one voice can make a difference, whether it is as an individual voice, whether others are inspired to get involved — I know this was the best decision I could make to serve the country.

“I have not changed. I am standing firm in my principles and convictions. I am optimistic, and I am hopeful and I know that I will be successful.

“Would you have thought that me, as a politician who was 16 months in the job, would become leader of the party? When you look at it, it sounds ridiculous, but I did it.”