Three Cabinet Ministers and two backbenchers are being named as potential successors to Paula Cox as Deputy Premier.

Progressive Labour Party insiders say Ministers Derrick Burgess, Walter Roban and Michael Scott could all enter the running for the number two job after declaring their support for Ms Cox as Premier.

Backbenchers Dale Butler — who launched his Premiership bid yesterday — and Randy Horton were also mentioned by several party sources.

Mr. Butler would be allowed to enter if his leadership challenge fails at the PLP's delegates' conference in October; Mr. Horton tried for Deputy Leader four years ago but pulled out of the running with Ms Cox well ahead.

Party members say it's unusual for the Deputy race to begin so early but, with many deeming a Ms Cox victory a foregone conclusion, potential number twos are now said to be jostling for position.

Works Minister Mr. Burgess, a former Bermuda Industrial Union leader, is said to be popular among some hard-core PLP members, particularly long-standing supporters.

While often known as outspoken, some party members are speculating Mr. Burgess has been keeping a low profile in recent weeks ahead of a possible bid.

Health Minister Mr. Roban entered the Cabinet for the first time last summer and, although he is a former senator, is regarded by some as relatively inexperienced having only started as an MP less than three years ago.

But he is said to be well thought of within the party, has long been a supporter of Ms Cox and may see a move to the Deputy job as a natural progression towards his leadership ambitions.

Mr. Scott, the Energy Minister, is another former senator who has had several stints in Cabinet. His name has not been regularly touted as a possible leader, but he is well-liked and could appeal to several factions within the PLP.

Mr. Butler and Mr. Horton have both served long spells in Cabinet and are thought to be prepared to work alongside either Ms Cox or Mr. Lister; notwithstanding Mr. Butler's hopes for the top job.

Backbencher Terry Lister, who is campaigning to be Premier, confirmed earlier this week he would not be running for Deputy and intends on being elected as leader.

One party member said: "There are quite a few MPs who seem to be interested in the Deputy position. I think this is the first time so many people have come forward so early.

"There are quite a few people who could get support from the grassroots members, but a lot of it could come down to who gets to be the Premier, and who that person would like to be the Deputy."

l The PLP is understood to now have a short-list of four candidates for the Warwick South Central by-election: Senators Marc Bean and Kim Wilson, BIU president Chris Furbert and Southlands director Nelson Hunt.