The ruling Progressive Labour Party is poised to change its rules allowing a leadership challenge every two years — a move which could see Premier Ewart Brown face a vote as early as next year.

A constitutional committee is considering a recommendation that the PLP go back to the old system of selecting a leader, rather than wait four years.

Under Jennifer Smith, who faced several attempts to remove her, a change was made to double the period before elections for the leader and deputy leader — while the other top party posts continued at two years,

A senior party source told : "Two years is the recommendation and the Premier is on board.

"That was the way it was. The feeling is when they changed it, it was to secure somebody's job without them having to work for it.

"When everybody does two years the leader and the deputy leader should do two years like everybody else.

"It also has a positive effect in ensuring that people who intend to continue in office have a continuing dialogue — that they don't become aloof."

It's likely that recommendation will be discussed by delegates at the PLP conference which opens next Wednesday and the changes could be in place for a possible leadership challenge next year.

Sitting Premier Jennifer Smith was challenged by Cabinet colleague Arthur Hodgson at the 2000 delegates conference but easily beat him while her deputy Eugene Cox fended off Ewart Brown's challenge.

At the 2002 conference no challenge was made and the rules were changed to schedule elections for the leader and deputy leader every four years, however Ms Smith was forced out when her MPs rebelled against her after the 2003 election and she was replaced by Alex Scott.

Mr. Scott was then successfully challenged by his deputy Ewart Brown for the leader's post in 2006.

One senior MP welcomed the news the party might be about to change back to more regular challenges.

He said: "Of course, it keeps the leader on their toes if their job is coming up every two years. No leader should ever fear an election. A leader should be ready for any situation if they are doing their job."

Asked if that system could lead to instability now that the PLP were governing and their leader was the Premier the MP said: "That was why it was changed. It was felt they cannot be looking over their shoulder every minute."

The MP said it was felt by some that elections every two years would mean leaders would be afraid to take any risks in case they backfired.

"That's why they moved to four years. But my personal feeling is a vote any day, any time."

The leader and deputy leader of the PLP are voted for by politicians and party delegates but the other executive officer roles, including party chairman, treasurer and public relations officer, are chosen by delegates only.