The invention provides a high performance circuit breaker with an independent pole operation linkage and conical composite bushings. A mechanical linkage for independently opening and closing a plurality of associated switches is provided by the invention. The linkage comprises a plurality of connecting rods (32-34) that provide the initial driving force to open or close the switches, cranks (50) for opening and closing the contacts (12, 14, 15, 19) of respective switches, linking elements (36-39) which couple together the connecting rods (32-34) and the cranks (50), and a number of lever assemblies (40, 41) having a bearing ring (45, 46) interfaced thereto. The bearing rings (45, 46) provide a supportive interface between two linking elements (36-39) but permit the linking elements (36-39) to rotate independently from one another. The lever assemblies (40, 41) also provide an interface for the connecting rods (32-34) and linking elements (36-39). The present invention also includes a method of operation of the circuit breaker through the independent pole operation linkage.