A LEADING Progressive Labour Party delegate has revealed the extent of backlash against Ewart Brown among Party faithful on the eve of this month's annual delegates' conference.

The delegate and senior Party insider has called on the Premier to resign for the good of the PLP, describing Dr. Brown's credibility among members as "shot beyond repair".

"Any self-respecting Premier would resign," he said.

"As a result of the recent polls, Ewart Brown's political credibility is shot beyond repair. No one really trusts him."

A Research.bm poll this week put the Premier's approval rating at 18 per cent, compared to a 75 per cent rating of favourability for Finance Minister Paula Cox ¿ the politician widely rumoured to be considering a leadership challenge.

These latest figures show a rise in the number of poll respondents awarding Dr. Brown the lowest possible favourability score. Thirty-one per cent of those surveyed awarded him only one point out of five.

The PLP delegate, who declined to be named, told the Mid-Ocean News that dissent among loyal members has reached a crescendo ¿ especially among the influential business community. The delegate has himself attended regular meetings of local business leaders to discuss a replacement for Dr. Brown.

"Daily, PLP supporters complain about his arrogant and egotistical leadership style," he said.

"He is out of touch with the common man. There have been several meetings between black businessmen who believe they have been overlooked. There is a general feeling that unless the PLP finds a suitable replacement for Ewart Brown, favourabililty ratings will fall."

The Party delegate believes Minister of Finance Paula Cox to be one of a handful of possible replacements for Dr. Brown, but called for "someone of stature" within the party to step up and assume the role ¿ but for the right reasons.

"The general consensus, for the good of the PLP, is that someone of stature ¿ maybe Paula Cox ¿ should put their narrow, selfish agendas aside and step up to the plate," he said.

"There have been rumblings to remove Ewart Brown high up the PLP ranks, including Ministers. He's become a total political liability and indeed an embarrassment to the Party."

The delegate added that his fellow members see the UBP's falling favourability ratings in the Research.bm poll as a blow to the PLP, rather than a reason to celebrate. He explained that a strong UBP would create an incentive for the PLP to scrutinise its own leadership.

"Some PLP members lament the fact that the UBP is so woefully weak and fragmented at this time, as they lengthen Ewart Brown's time in power," he said.

"At this point, the United Bermuda Party is simply not an alternative. As badly as things are going for Ewart Brown, the fragmented nature of the UBP means that in an election was called now, the PLP would still win."

The PLP delegate went on to allege corruption at last year's delegate's conference, though admitted widespread "concern" about underhanded dealings would be nigh on impossible to prove.

"Last time there's was a delegates' conference, Ewart Brown had a master list that no one else had, showing the number of delegates," he said. "There has been concern over its authenticity. More delegates could have shown up - who was to know? It would be a tough allegation to prove."

PLP chairman David Burt denied this allegation, saying: "The PLP constitution clearly sets out the rules for delegate apportionment and selection.

"The process is handled according to our constitution and bylaws and is manged by the officers and staff of the Progressive Labour Party.

"The PLP is looking forward to its annual conference and to kicking off our celebration of ten successful years in Government."