The Progressive Labour Party field will be thrown wide open before the next General Election after changes to party rules got the go-ahead at Alaska Hall.

Any PLP members who meet certain criteria — such as a background in public service — will now be able to put themselves forward as a potential candidate in whichever branch they choose.

Branch members will then get the final say on who represents them at the polls.

The move is intended to encourage new talent into the political arena and ensure underperforming MPs cannot easily cling onto their safe seats.

It will also prevent party leaders from picking their favourites to run in constituencies they are certain to win, following accusations of interference by Premier Ewart Brown before the last election.

Reformers were yesterday said to be pleased at the overall outcome of Monday night's meeting, although some of their suggestions were turned down by the gathering of around 75 delegates.

Proposals thrown out included a plan for branches to select their candidates halfway through a term — described as a midterm assessment for the sitting MP — and an idea to make leadership hopefuls declare their intentions by May 1.

At Monday's meeting, some MPs are said to have spoken out against the changes in candidate selection, which some have interpreted as a way of removing Dr. Brown's critics.

One party member who supported reform, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Royal Gazette: "It was a lively, sober discussion among people who clearly had the party's and the Country's best interests at heart.

"For the most part, we had a sober, serious argument. There was none of the acrimony and mudslinging of the past.

"Those of us who wanted amendments made were very pleased with the outcome. The most important one was that we will now have a set of criteria for creating an approved list of candidates.

"This will create a level playing field for people who want to put themselves forward. Also, the branches will now be the entity that will decide who the candidates are.

"It's straightforward. Once you have your approved candidate, people can put themselves forward in any area they want and we leave it up to the branch to decide who they want to represent them."

A May 1 deadline for people to declare their leadership intentions would have forced likely successors to Dr. Brown such as Deputy Premier Paula Cox to show their hands much earlier than expected.

However, it was rejected after members said this would require Ms Cox to resign as Finance Minister five months before Dr. Brown stands down, further depleting an already shallow pool of talent in Cabinet.

Instead it is hoped the party will more strictly enforce the existing rule of 21 days' notice, preventing people from catching members off guard by throwing their hat into the ring at the last minute.

Many members are also said to have objected to the midterm assessment plan, on the grounds that candidates should be selected closer to the forthcoming election.

Last week, chairman Anthony Santucci sent a memo to all PLP members warning them they cause distress speaking to The Royal Gazette, and indicating only he and press officer Wentworth Christopher should speak on behalf of the party.

Some within the party said the memo put them off speaking to this newspaper about Monday's meeting and directed us to Mr. Christopher and Mr. Santucci.

Asked whether the proposals were passed, Mr. Christopher replied yesterday: "The delegates were deliberative and carefully evaluated all proposals. Some were not approved, others were.

"We are affording the delegates an opportunity to report to the constituencies they represented so members who did not attend could get information prior to general release.

"In addition to a general release of info our online constitution will also be updated."