Progressive Labour Party sources have played down the chances of Ewart Brown being dumped as leader and Premier.

Press reports yesterday claimed up to five MPs had led a delegation to the Premier asking him to resign following reported allegations concerning the Bermuda Housing Corporation affair. However several MPs played down the likelihood of Dr. Brown being removed.

The controversy has seen Attorney General Phil Perinchief seek an injunction to stop the media from publishing or airing further revelations from the Police probe into the BHC scandal. A hearing will go ahead next week before Chief Justice Richard Ground.

One PLP insider said recent controversy surrounding Dr. Brown and concern within the party about other aspects of his leadership including his expensive entourage and lavish lifestyle, the money spent on his personal security and the inflated role of consultants could end up in a full-scale PLP revolt.

The source thought it could echo the unceremonious dumping of Jennifer Smith a matter of hours after she won the 2003 election for the party.

Premier Brown, who replaced Alex Scott late last year, has publicly boasted he wants the party to increase its tally of seats from 22 to 30 in the coming election which is expected this summer.

However last night there was speculation that he could be fatally damaged if the party ends up losing seats to the United Bermuda Party.

Finance Minister Paula Cox and even former Premier Jennifer Smith have been touted as possibly replacements.

But three MPs have ruled that possibility out with one declaring: “People are too scared and they are enjoying their positions too much for anything to happen.”

And another said the personal controversy surrounding Dr. Brown had yet to damage the party.

PLP sources play down reports