Progressive Labour Party officials are playing down the threat to Ewart Brown’s leadership after a meeting of party chiefs last night.

PLP spokesman Wentworth Christopher said: “At a well attended regularly scheduled meeting of the Central Committee held at Alaska Hall on Monday night, the membership affirmed overwhelming support for Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown, JP, MP.

“They expressed full confidence in his performance since his election as Party Leader.”

The Central Committee is the main management body of the PLP.

Tomorrow MPs and Senators will debate Dr. Brown’s leadership after last Wednesday’s caucus meeting saw a surprise move to oust Dr. Brown as PLP leader, instigated by backbenchers Wayne Perinchief and Randy Horton and reportedly supported by former Premier Alex Scott.

PLP chairman David Burt has warned he would use all measures under the party’s constitution to prevent rebel MPs taking a vote on Premier Ewart Brown’s leadership tomorrow.

He said the PLP constitution only allows a leader to be chosen by delegates sitting in joint session with current members of the House of Assembly at an annual or special delegates conference.

For the full story see tomorrow's edition of The Royal Gazette