It is now looking increasingly likely that Premier Jennifer Smith's position as leader of the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) will not be challenged at the party's conference in November.

"I would be surprised if there was a challenge," said backbencher Wayne Perinchief. "The party is consolidating now. We are pulling together."

Previously, Mr. Perinchief has openly demanded that the Premier step down and led a back-bench demand for her resignation in May.

Yesterday he told The Royal Gazette yesterday that last weekend's symposium had been marked by "open communication".

"We went through a lot of issues and we charted a way forward," he said. "The party is consolidating now. We are pulling together."

Party chairman Neville Tyrell agreed that the symposium provided the right atmosphere for frank and open discussion.

"I would think for that reason the symposium was worth its weight in gold," he said.

Acting public relations officer Walter Roban confirmed that the weekend retreat provided an opportunity to address all issues of concern.

"This contributed to a stronger sense of purpose and determination that everybody moves forward to ensure we face the challenges ahead. The theme "shared destiny" was clearly understood by all parties". He added that the membership made it clear that they were "quite happy" with the leadership.

Even before the symposium the branch leaders were reporting that the leadership concerns had taken a backseat. Branches are now working on educating its members about the Boundaries Commission report and nominating delegates for the annual conference which takes place during the first week of November, and ends with a banquet on the fourth anniversary of the PLP's 1998 victory at the polls.

Months of informed speculation that backbencher Arthur Hodgson was poised to repeat the bid that cost him his Cabinet post have now given way to rumours that surprise even the Premier's most vocal critics.

Yesterday VSB News reported that party sources were speculating that former labour leader and PLP backbencher Ottiwell Simmons was being urged to challenge the Premier by dissident backbenchers but the station could not get a confirmation or denial from Mr. Simmons.

The report was fuelled by Raymond Russell who volunteered his assessment on Shirley Dill's call-in radio talk show.

"Where is all this coming from?" asked a bewildered Mr. Perinchief. "Has he got a crystal ball or something? There are a lot of rumours around with no substance to it. I would put my hand on a chopping block and say that is not true."

"All I suggest is that Raymond Russell should be contacted," said Mr. Simmons. "I have no comment to make to that boy."

Mr. Russell, for his part, said that he will never reveal his sources but after further conversation he said he was "convinced" that Mr. Hodgson tried to talk Mr. Simmons into challenging the Premier when they were in Israel together some weeks ago.

He called Shirley Dill because he wanted "to pull him out into the open", he said. "They have no reason to depose the Premier. I don't mind them doing it but not the sneaky way they try to do it."

Mr. Hodgson, who has consistently declined to go on the record with his intentions, found the Russell theory amusing when contacted yesterday. He then said that he had nothing to say.

But asked of his impression of last weekend's symposium, he said: "These things are always good. Communication is always a good thing" and "I've always felt the party has been consolidated - it's a healthy democratic party."