A row over granting a staff member holiday was the catalyst for the clash between United Bermuda Party bigwigs which led to executive officer Gordon Johnson leaving, understands.

It?s understood Mr. Johnson would not sanction a staff member having a holiday at a busy time but party chairman Gwyneth Rawlins granted the break, leading to a row.

Fundraiser Jim Butterfield also resigned in sympathy with Mr. Johnson.

He told he also wanted to devote more time to his businesses ? Bermuda Cement Company and Butterfield & Vallis. He said: ?I worked very closely with Gordon Johnson, when he was on his way it seemed like a good time to take a break and get on with my business. I had done it for two and a half years. I tasked myself to making sure we always had funds for fighting the election.?

Mr. Johnson left in December but has declined to offer any reasons for his resignation.