In a move that had been widely predicted, Dr. Brown called a press conference yesterday to announce that he was relinquishing his Tourism and Transport ministerial portfolios to stand for the leadership of the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) and the country.

He will challenge Mr. Scott at the PLP's delegates' conference two weeks today in what he made clear would be an all-or-nothing bid for the party's top job.

Mr. Scott yesterday said the fight would be an "amicable" one. And he announced that Senator David Burch would take over the Tourism Ministry, adding it to his Works & Engineering and Housing porfolios, while Minister Without Portfolio Walter Lister was appointed to the Transport job.

The charismatic Dr. Brown, who renounced his American citizenship to pursue a career in Bermuda politics, is regarded as effective in his ministerial duties and as a communicator.

Kind words for Dr. Brown emerged yesterday from Drug Control Minister Wayne Perinchief and former PLP Senator Calvin Smith as the Deputy Premier's resignation cleared the way for the campaign to begin in earnest.

Meanwhile, former Tourism Minister Ren?e Webb said she would back Paula Cox, should the Finance Minister mount a challenge, while political analyst Walton Brown predicted a tight battle between the Premier and Dr. Brown.

Ms Cox, who has previously said she has no interest in becoming Premier, is being widely urged to join the fray.

And some are suggesting that she could succeed as a compromise candidate among delegates who feel it's time for Mr. Scott to go, but can't support Dr. Brown, because of his leading role in ousting former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith after the 2003 General Election.

Dr. Brown's infamous "we had to mislead you" remarks after he and ten other rebel MPs forced out Dame Jennifer may put off some delegates.

Ms Cox did not answer our question by press time on whether she would stand.

Terry Lister, who resigned as Education Minister last month, and Community Affairs and Sport Minister Dale Butler have also been cited as possible challengers.

Explaining why he had changed his mind, after earlier this year promising not to run against Mr. Scott, Dr. Brown said: "Months have passed, and after innumerable requests from many, consultation with persons inside and outside of the party, careful reflection on my own and with my family, I have had a change of heart ? not a change of mind. The question has always been when I would seek the leadership ? not whether I would seek the leadership. And I believe that time is now."

He added: "I believe the PLP has lived with the prospect of my leadership long enough, and, that after a decision is made in the impending weeks, it would be best for all concerned if the party did not have to face that same decision again."

Dr. Brown said, if defeated, he would remain a backbench MP and retire at the next election, which must take place within the next two-and-a-half years.

The Warwick South Central MP spelled out his achievements, namely increasing tourism numbers and spending, the provision of new air routes and the introduction of low-cost carriers which had brought down airfares.

In transport, he said he had improved efficiency at the Transport Control Department, and brought in five new fast ferries and a computerised taxi dispatch service.

Dr. Brown said yesterday that his leadership would take Bermuda to the next level.

He said: "Why am I here? I want to bring the same ? if not more ? vision, strength, energy and resolve to get things done that I brought to the Tourism and Transport ministries ? to the leadership of the Progressive Labour Party, and ultimately, to the leadership of Bermuda."

Dr. Brown said he would reveal his platform in the coming days and steered clear of specific issues.

Meanwhile, Opposition United Bermuda Party Leader Wayne Furbert kept his comment on the affair brief.

"It is important to remember at this moment of political upheaval that Bermuda comes first, always," Mr. Furbert said.

"In that regard, I hope that members of the PLP Government make sure that they do not lose sight of the fact that they are there to serve the people and the country, not to fight among themselves."

More than 100 PLP delegates, representing their party members from the various local branches, make up the electorate for the leadership vote, which will take place on October 27.