meeting next Wednesday.

A special general meeting is scheduled for 8 p.m., where members will adopt the person to battle for the seat left after the tragic death of sitting MP Madeline Joell.

Former Deputy Premier Jerome Dill and ex-Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess are understood to be in the running, but the branch faithful may opt for a fresh face -- unconnected with the disastrous General Election defeat.

Last night, Paget West branch chairman Michael Smith said there would be an announcement shortly after the meeting.

He said the prospective candidates would be invited to make a speech to the assembled members, before the decision was made.

A by-election date has yet to be decided by the Government.

Ms Joell, 39, who was elected as a newcomer in the November Election, died of a brain aneurysm on February 14.

Shadow Education Minister Tim Smith holds the other Paget West seat.