Don't expect a challenge for Ewart Brown's leadership anytime time soon that was the advice from Progressive Labour Party insiders after two weeks of political intrigue.

The leadership issue had been raised by angry Government backbenchers seeing to oust Dr. Brown who they have accused of being vindictive, embarrassing and a threat to democracy.

But the Premier was supported at that first meeting a fortnight ago by former Premier Jennifer Smith who said only party delegates could oust him.

Since that stand-off the Central Committee, the main organisation body in the PLP, has also already thrown its support behind Dr. Brown.

And the Cabinet signed a loyalty oath ahead of last week's party caucus which saw former Premier Alex Scott and former Ministers Randy Horton and Wayne Perinchief lead a backbench attack on Dr. Brown who again emerged still in place.

In order to spark a special delegates' conference to hold a leadership contest rebel MPs need to get the Central Committee to change its mind or they need to summon the support of 12 of the PLP's 36 branches.

Asked if any branches had signalled they wanted a leadership contest Party chairman David Burt said "None to my knowledge."

He added: "Branches I have spoken to expressed full support for the elected leadership of the party."

Neither of the three MPs leading the criticism are thought to be interested in making a formal bid for leadership and instead are said to be hoping Dr. Brown's replacement can come from within Cabinet.

Late last week Deputy Premier Paula Cox confirmed she is still interested in running for the leadership but it was not clear when. Premier Brown has indicated that he will step down when his four-year term as leader ends in October 2010.

Asked if the move against Dr. Brown was dead in the water one anti-Brown party insider said: "There will probably be a lull for now. The Cabinet has said they are all behind him, it's difficult."

However rebels are hoping Ms Cox signalled she is considering making a move with her comments on the Everest DeCosta talk show last week.

She had said: "When I choose to run for the leadership and participate in any leadership bid it won't be by any covert means or by stealth."

Instead a resignation would signal her intent, said Ms Cox.

One senior party source said: "In my view it was extremely significant because Paula doesn't just make statements."

And by admitting the Cabinet had signed a loyalty oath, Ms Cox had publicised something party bosses had been keen to play down, said the insider.

The anti-Brown faction claim the Premier had promised to go if 12 MPs told him his time was up and then the leadership issues would be taken to a conference of PLP delegates.