Supporters of the Progressive Labour Party were urged today to put purpose ahead of personalities as a leadership contender called for unity.

Jason Hayward, who is the Minister of Economy and Labour, raised concerns about “growing division” in the PLP.

He faces Curtis Dickinson, a former finance minister, to replace David Burt as party leader and, in turn, Premier, with Mr Burt expected to step down in October.

Amendments passed in August by the PLP’s central committee became the subject of a civil case in the Supreme Court, where it was claimed that changes to the party’s membership process went against its constitution.

Mr Burt put forward a proposal last month to stop people who publicly campaigned against the PLP in the past two general elections from automatically joining the party.

It is understood his addendum was agreed by the central committee, along with a proposal requiring people to have been party members for at least a year to be eligible to serve as delegates in the party leadership election next month.

Mr Dickinson and four others launched legal action against the PLP’s chairwoman and secretary-general, which resulted in an interim injunction that prevented party executives from proceeding with the changes.

A court hearing is expected to take place this week with a trial set for October 1 and 2.

Mr Hayward said today: “No one is bigger than the programme and no one is bigger than the Progressive Labour Party.

“Our purpose must come before our personalities and the interests of the party must come before any individual.”

He added: “I stood up to be judged by the members of the PLP.

“I have put my record, my experience and my vision before the membership, and I am prepared to respect the decision of our members.”

A statement released by Mr Hayward’s campaign team said that he “expressed concern about the growing division within the party and allegations surrounding efforts to significantly expand membership in a manner intended to influence the internal leadership vote”.

The MP for Pembroke Central (Constituency 17) added: “Whether people agree on the concerns being raised or not, we cannot ignore the reality that this situation is creating division, distrust and uncertainty within our party.

“The PLP must still be here after this contest is over. Our branches must still be strong. Our members must still be able to work together. And our movement must remain focused on the people we exist to serve.”

Mr Hayward added: “It is time for everyone involved to get around the table, talk to one another in good faith and find a way forward.”

He also called for the parties involved in the dispute to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than continued legal proceedings.

“The courts cannot rebuild our branches, restore trust between members or strengthen our movement,” Mr Hayward said.

“That requires us to sit down together and find common ground.”

He added: “There will be a day after this leadership contest. On that day, Bermudians will still need the Progressive Labour Party to fight for working people, families, young Bermudians and our communities.

“We have a responsibility to protect the PLP, preserve its values and ensure that it is stronger for the generations that come after us.”

It is understood that a party special delegates conference, planned for today, has been postponed.