Sources say McGuinty ordered staff members out of the government caucus room on Tuesday afternoon, then "lit into" cabinet ministers and backbenchers over a Saturday Star story.

Quoting Liberal MPPs, who asked that their names not be used, the article disclosed a growing concern that too much power is concentrated in the premier's office.

McGuinty was unhappy to read that some in his cabinet and caucus feel he freezes them out on issues as disparate as revamping the legislative schedule, reconsidering the reading of the Lord's Prayer in the House and scrapping regional political ministers' posts.

There were also complaints that the influence of senior advisers in the premier's office is increasing at the expense of elected officials. More...