Backbenchers are said to oppose any plan by Premier Ewart Brown to reform Bermuda's corporations.

Lawyers who reviewed the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George's — costing $800,000 of taxpayers' money — are said to have given an unconvincing presentation to Progressive Labour Party caucus last week.

About a third of caucus was said to be against repealing the Municipalities Act 1923, which the corporations fear would pave the way for their demise.

Another third was said to be in favour of repeal, with the remaining third merely supporting the broadening of the franchise and opening up of meetings.

With Dr. Brown thought to be keen to push change through this summer, one party member described last week's presentation as weak, and another said: "It was nothing we didn't know already. It was a waste of money."

Caucus is also said to have discussed options such as bringing principles of democracy to the corporations with a no property vote.

Backbenchers have already warned they are prepared to vote against the Premier's legislation for the rest of his term, as Wayne Perinchief and Randy Horton did to help defeat his bill on Ministers' salaries last month.

And a number of party members yesterday confirmed there is opposition to repeal of the corporations within the PLP backbench.

Earlier this year, Government announced local firm Attride-Stirling & Woloneicki and McKenna, Long & Aldridge of the US have been hired as consultants to prepare Cabinet a detailed review of all aspects of the municipalities.

Government pledged to overhaul the corporations in the 2008 Throne Speech, saying their framework was outdated and they did not reflect modern good governance.

Hamilton Mayor Charles Gosling has already stated he believes Government plans to dissolve the city's corporation, and has a received a letter from Cabinet Minister Walter Roban stating: "The Government is committed to the repeal of the Municipalities Act 1923."

City Hall has been running a campaign, SaveOurCityBermuda.org, urging citizens to get involved to prevent the closure.