Deputy Premier Paula Cox last night hit back at Progressive Labour Party critics who say her handling of the Finance Ministry shows she lacks the leadership skills to be Premier.

Other PLP MPs are now said to have launched rival campaigns to take over from Ewart Brown in October, with some backbenchers losing faith in Ms Cox because she's failed to rein in the Premier's spending.

According to one MP, the Finance Minister is "complicit" for signing off so many of Dr. Brown's costly Tourism and Transport projects while the rest of the Island has had to tighten its belt.

But Ms Cox last night clarified her relationship with Dr. Brown — pointing out they had not voted for each other at the PLP's 2006 delegates' conference and have remained civilised since for the good of the Country.

The Deputy Premier, widely regarded to be in line for a coronation when Dr. Brown's term finishes in seven months, reacted to the criticism last night: "Complicit? Interesting comment.

"I am a Minister of the Government and have been the longest-serving Minister of the PLP Government, bar none, so I have seen Ministers come and go.

"For those who are truthful and who have served or are serving in the Cabinet, they will acknowledge that I am one Minister who does not blindly agree with a policy position just because it is a recommendation of the Premier. Neither do I provide blind support — that goes against my grain. That is not my way — I am an independent thinker."

Ms Cox was responding to comments from a PLP MP, speaking to The Royal Gazette on condition of anonymity, who said: "There are many party members, some on the backbench, who now question Ms Cox's authority to assume leadership positions and see her as being very similar to Ewart Brown — they seem to show very little concern for the working class or even seem to lack any sort of understanding of what it is to be working class.

"In signing off on many of the projects that the Premier has engaged in, she is being complicit."

Ms Cox has been heavily criticised by the public, business leaders and politicians since delivering her $1.2 billion Budget last Friday.

Many say a payroll tax increase from 14 percent to 16 percent is unfair on the working class when Government has failed to cut back on unnecessary expenses, with Dr. Brown's Ministry highlighted by some.

Referring to Ms Cox's recent claim that she is a mere "cog in the wheel" unable to refuse Ministers' requests for more money, the MP said: "I think many people in the public are now of the opinion that she is ignorant of her role as Finance Minister, which is clearly outlined in the Constitution."

And asked about the idea that Ms Cox is lined up for a coronation, the MP replied: "I don't think it will be as straightforward as that."

Another PLP source said Ms Cox faces opposition from a number of backbenchers who don't perceive her to be a strong leader.

However, Ms Cox remains favourite to become the next Premier, although former Culture Minister Dale Butler has stated his desire for the role and former Energy Minister Terry Lister is said to have been canvassing PLP support.

The Finance Minister said last night: "There are a lot of persons who wish to be leader for the PLP. I have from the outset stated that, so no one can credibly or truthfully assert that I seek or desire a coronation; it would go against the grain.

"Many have started their campaigning and their strategy meetings. I have not. I am busy doing my job, so consider this and many other comments that you will hear as par for the course and always consider the source."

She said of her relationship with Dr. Brown: "The Premier and I were elected by the party at the delegates' conference in 2006.

"I can assert quite confidently that neither of us voted for the other as party leader and deputy leader. However I respect the office of the Premier and we are civilised in our dealings with each other. For the good of the Country and the party we work alongside each other and that to me is a measure of maturity.

"However one thing that people — my political colleagues and party members — know is that I am a team player and I will put Bermuda's interests and the party's interests first, even if it causes me some problems.

"Some may characterise that as a weakness but for people who know my modus operandi they will acknowledge that I do not air dirty linen publicly. I consider it unseemly.

"As Machiavelli has said there are those who wish and embrace change and there are very many more who fear change. However no one can truthfully assert that in any Ministry or position that I have been appointed to that I have been less than capable, hard-working or innovative."

Former Premier Alex Scott said he retained faith in Ms Cox, saying: "No matter what a Minister does, when they act there's going to be critical voices and second guessing, but I think if she provides adequate explanation and recommendation for the way forward she will certainly find her political coat intact. I think she will be OK."

Mr. Scott said of the Deputy Premier's "cog in the wheel" remark: "It would be very cruel to judge one on one comment. I know folks have drawn a lot from it. Many think the Finance Minister needs to throw more weight in Cabinet. Maybe she did. I think she probably provides very strong counsel in Cabinet deliberations. We don't know."

And another backbencher, who declined to be named, said the Minister has done a good job in difficult circumstances, and that tax increases are inevitable.