Premier Ewart Brown's attempt to remove civil service head Kenneth Dill could be the "last nail in his coffin", according to a Progressive Labour Party source.

The Premier's leadership will be the subject of debate at a party meeting tomorrow, after rebel backbenchers moved to oust him at last week's caucus meeting.

And one PLP member yesterday claimed Dr. Brown's actions concerning Major Dill had disturbed many within the party, including some of his closest supporters.

"The whispered view of MPs and PLP supporters is that we have a Premier who is basically out of control and must be reined in and looked at and removed," said the insider.

The source said they received at least eight phone calls by late yesterday afternoon from party members dismayed at yesterday's story in The Royal Gazette about the unsuccessful attempt to dismiss Major Dill.

"I think he was probably doing 50/50 up until today's headlines. They see him as trying to control the civil service. That for them is the last nail in his coffin.

"Even Dr. Brown's most ardent supporters, his diehard supporters, are beginning to move away from him. They see him as self-destructing.

"They are beginning to see that he is really on his own personal agenda."

The source claimed that several Cabinet ministers had privately spoken out against Dr. Brown in light of what happened last week with Major Dill.

"Some people are even saying that at this point they are wondering why at least three Ministers don't announce that they have no confidence and change him."

One PLP MP told this newspaper of the Major Dill situation: "This action is probably unprecedented. It's unusual behaviour for elected officials, ministers, to get involved with the disciplining or firing of a person.

"We all follow the general orders. We do have a high respect and regard for the civil service. General orders should be adhered to. I don't see this as a good move."

PLP chairman David Burt has warned he will use all measures under the party's constitution to prevent MPs taking a vote on Dr. Brown's leadership tomorrow.

He said MPs and senators will discuss "various matters" but the PLP constitution only allows a leader to be chosen by delegates sitting in joint session with current members of the House of Assembly at an annual or special delegates conference.