Increasing numbers of candidates are now in the frame for the Progressive Labour Party thanks to changes to party rules, according to sources.

A master list of approved candidates — formally introduced after constitutional changes early this year — is said to be growing, meaning familiar faces are now more likely to surface every time a vacancy arrives.

Some party members said the old constitution left the PLP open to criticism — with Premier Ewart Brown accused of picking his favourites to run in certain branches.

But now anyone making it to the approved list is allowed to put themselves forward in whichever constituency they want, with the branch getting to decide who represents it.

Well-known figures like Senators Kim Wilson, Marc Bean and David Burch are on the list, along with chairman Anthony Santucci — and their names are now expected to consistently come forward.

"The party wanted to move toward a master list of candidates so they could then pick from a pool," said one source."That is exactly how it's panning out. It's a natural progression."

However, insiders warn the method could also lead to frustration as newcomers to the party — such as Wayne Furbert and potentially Darius Tucker — could bring many new supporters with them and end up winning branch votes over long-serving PLP members.

"Some feel as if the very foundation of the party is being hijacked," said one source.

PLP spokesman Wentworth Christopher has said there has been a tremendous response ahead of the by-election in Dr. Brown's Warwick South Central constituency.

Some say the battle could mirror the upcoming leadership battle, with Sen. Wilson and Sen. Bean known Paula Cox supporters and another who has applied, Phil Perinchief, openly backing Terry Lister.