PLP chairman David Burt warned yesterday that he would "use all measures" under the party's constitution to prevent rebel MPs taking a vote on Premier Ewart Brown's leadership at a meeting on Wednesday.

Mr. Burt, in a lengthy statement on the plp.bm blog, said MPs and senators would gather to "discuss amongst themselves various matters which have been placed before them".

But he said party members would be aware that 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.

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.

Colleagues knocked back the attempt but Mr. Horton said on Friday that the Premier should put his popularity to a vote of MPs and the issue is certain to be aired this Wednesday.

Mr. Burt, 30, last week publicly cautioned those opposing the Premier, telling them they faced punishment for operating outside the constitution.

His comments enraged seasoned politicians like Mr. Perinchief, who told this newspaper on Friday that the young chairman had "made a terrible error".

Yesterday, Mr. Burt said: "At too many times in the past, our constitution has given way to expedience. This has caused our party unnecessary division and acrimony.

"As chairman, I consider it my duty to ensure that for the remainder of my elected term the constitution of the party is fully adhered to and I will use all measures under that constitution to ensure that our party follows its rules.

"As my position is an elected position and not an appointed position, I am accountable only to the members of the party who elected me via their delegates and will continue to act in what I feel is their best interest."

One party source scoffed at the statement last night, suggesting that Mr. Burt remember how former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith was deposed in 2003.

"Let's be aware that the parliamentary group is an important organ of the PLP and it figures very definitively in the constitution of the PLP. We would always have to stop short of saying nothing can happen [at a caucus meeting]. What can happen is the unknown.

"Take into consideration what happened when several parliamentarians came together in the case of Dame Jennifer."

The source added that if Mr. Burt was trying to stifle discussion "that would be unwise and undemocratic". "I don't think the PLP is founded on the premise that in caucus you can't openly speak your mind."

Mr. Burt said in his statement he had spoken to Dr. Brown, Deputy Premier Paula Cox and a number of MPs and senators in the last few days.

"I have expressed regret that our party's internal discussions have spilled into the public space and I have also expressed to all the desire that we tone down the rhetoric in the media," he said.

"The PLP has a long and proud history, and it is incumbent upon all of our members to live up to that history and keep our internal discussions within the party."

He added: "The PLP is a fully democratic organisation that values our debates and disagreements. Freedom of speech and the resulting diversity of opinion is a source of our strength and will continue to serve us as we work for the people of Bermuda.

"All of our members are free to raise issues and to discuss topics as we all have our own thoughts and ideas on what is best for our island home.

"There are many times where we are not in 100 percent agreement; however, we must conduct our deliberations under the constitution that governs our party."