All Progressive Labour Party branches have now nominated their delegates for the party's conference, which could see a challenge to the leadership of Premier Jennifer Smith.

The delegates will hold the key to deciding who will lead the party if there is a contest, and who will be elected as office-bearers.

Party membership is up following a recruitment drive this year, meaning there will be more delegates to conference, but PLP general secretary Neville Tyrell said he could not disclose how many will attend.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson has been touted as the front-runner if there is to be a leadership challenge, but so far no-one has declared that they will run against Ms Smith.

However, challengers do not need to declare until November 2, the final day of the four-day conference, when voting is held.

Every PLP MP and Senator can vote at conference, but branch delegates outnumber the parliamentary block.

PLP insiders say Ms Smith does not command the support of the majority of her MPs, but the crucial battleground if there is a challenge will be among the delegates.

PLP activist Rolfe Commissiong said last month he believes there will be a leadership challenge because Ms Smith, who is accused of being aloof, is "not connecting'' with ordinary party members.

The media will be allowed to cover Ms Smith addressing the opening day of conference at the Bermuda Industrial Union on October 30, but the rest of the party business will be closed.

Mr. Tyrrell said the conference agenda was still being finalised.

Meanwhile, Oona King MP, a rising star in the British Labour Party, will be guest speaker at the PLP's 33rd annual banquet held at the Fairmont Southampton Princess on October 28.

Ms King, who was elected in 1997 at the age of 29, is only the second black woman to be elected to the House of Commons.

PLP press officer Cory Butterfield said the PLP delegation to the UK Labour conference last year had been greatly impressed by Ms King.

"She's one of the Labour Party's brightest stars. She is a young, dynamic politician with experience in Europe and England,'' he said.

Her father Dr. Preston King went into political exile from the United States in 1961 after refusing to comply with New York State military draft regulations during a time of segregation.

Dr. King, a leading American civil rights campaigner, was given a pardon by President Bill Clinton in February and returned to the the US for the first time in 39 years.

Mr. Butterfield urged party members to snap up tickets for the banquet as they are expected to sell out quickly.