Most people waiting outside the Devonshire Recreational Club for the Progressive Labour Party election welcomed Paula Cox's victory. One woman said: "I am elated. I'm on top of the world. I am pleased, this is what I wanted to happen."

Charles Virgil, a long-time PLP supporter, said: "I am happy that Ms Cox was the winner and most people were happy.

"I am quite sure she will change some things around and pull the Party back together. I am quite sure she will do that."

Mr. Virgil referred to Ms. Cox as "great", but claimed her newly elected second-in-command Derrick Burgess was "not a people person".

The 65-year-old added: "There should be some changes, everyone is hoping for change. The part about it is you are not going to please everyone, even Ewart (Brown) didn't."

However, another onlooker said: "I want to wait and see and give her time to implement her ideas. Just like anyone else she was working under someone and now it's her turn to lead. We have been under other leaders and can't judge another person until they are in the seat."

Ogundokun Awolala, a 44-year-old Devonshire resident, said: "I like that she is approachable, we do not need any more arrogant leaders. See the people, there are too many people suffering today in the recession right now."

A Paget woman, who chose not to give her name, said she was " very happy" that Mrs. Cox was elected as the PLP's new leader.

She said: "I was a supporter of Paula, it's time for the women to rule. I think it will be very interesting to see how she does. She was always in the shadows of Ewart Brown and couldn't really be herself. I think we will see the real Paula now."