The Progressive Labour Party is setting up a team to catch a mole believed to have been "surreptitiously leaking information to the press".

Party spokesman Wentworth Christopher yesterday said it was "deplorable" that at least one caucus member appeared to be feeding the media because of a "selfish personal agenda".

Mr. Christopher released a statement saying the PLP is selecting an investigatory committee to "seek the person/s responsible for the disclosures and prevail upon them to desist".

Senior party members including Premier Ewart Brown are said to be very angry that reports from caucus meetings, which are held in confidence, have been appearing in the media in recent weeks.

Sources say the search for the leak stepped up two weeks ago when it was reported caucus failed to give immediate backing to plans for municipalities reform.

Some MPs describe it as a witch hunt, with the finger of blame being pointed at more than one caucus member; party members say they've been warned some in the PLP are compiling evidence of leaking.

Mr. Christopher said in his statement: "The PLP caucus exists as a medium for open expression of ideas, the determination of policies and the discussion of matters to be debated in the House of Parliament. The party and the public are best served when each person present can freely express views and opinions secure in the knowledge that confidence is not violated. Sadly in recent times that has not been the case. Apparently within our ranks there is at least one person who is surreptitiously leaking information to the press, and indicating, sometimes incorrectly, the way his/her colleagues voted.

"Many times this has been done before deliberation on issues is complete. That conduct may be viewed as noble if it served the common good, but can only be perceived as deplorable when it is used to further a selfish personal agenda.

"To deal with this the Party is in the process of selecting an investigatory committee to seek the person/s responsible for the disclosures and prevail upon them to desist. We are eager to restore trust and confidence so that there can be unfettered exchange of views within Caucus so we can work collectively for Bermuda's benefit."