Long-serving MP Alex Scott yesterday encouraged young people to put themselves forward as election candidates — but argued seasoned veterans should not be expected to simply step aside.

The former Progressive Labour Party Premier said the emergence of rookies predicted by young member Makai Dickerson would help breathe new life into the party.

However, the Warwick South East MP, who has been in the House of Assembly since 1993, added: "Young politicians shouldn't expect someone to move aside for them. That's not how the process works."

He was reacting to Mr. Dickerson's prediction that about 25 PLP members aged under 40 are ready to take advantage of party rule changes making it easier to break into the political field.

Mr. Dickerson insists that while the older generation have served their party and Country successfully — taking the PLP to its historic election victory in 1998 — many residents now want to be represented by fresh blood.

And he said that while he supports some sitting MPs who still have much to offer, some of the old guard need to step aside.

Mr. Scott said the decision should be down to the voters: "It's for the young members to prepare themselves and present themselves to the community, and then the community can decide.

"I don't think it would be appropriate for more experienced Parliamentarians to just give up their seats. But I don't think they should be discouraged.

"Young, prospective Parliamentarians should be encouraged to come forward. Of course, it's in their interest to get as much experience as they possibly can in Parliamentary politics and so forth.

"Every organisation needs young people. I think that's how organisations can serve and move on, year on year. If we lose the interest, we do not progress."

Mr. Dickerson joined the PLP shortly before the 2007 General Election and has quickly progressed to party organiser for the West. Other young people active within the party expected to challenge for seats include former chairman David Burt, lawyer Marc Daniels and campaign chairman Curtis Williams.

Thirteen of the PLP's current 22 MPs were part of the victorious 1998 team: Premier Ewart Brown, Dame Jennifer Smith, Mr. Scott, Walter Lister, Dennis Lister, Stanley Lowe, Derrick Burgess, Neletha Butterfield, Wayne Perinchief, Randy Horton, Paula Cox, Dale Butler and Terry Lister. The first six have been in the House since 1993 or earlier.

In a statement last night, the PLP said: "The recent publication of remarks attributed to Makai Dickerson makes interesting reading, but it is a mere snapshot that fails to capture the essence of this impressive young man.

"He joined the party in 2007 and his dedication and enthusiasm earned him delegate support and enabled him to capture the post of Organiser of the Western Region. Makai is attuned to the concerns of that segment of our population that has historically felt marginalised and he ensures that the party is sensitised and responsive to those concerns.

"He correctly indicates a depth of talent amongst our younger members, and pays tribute to those senior members whose efforts afforded us the opportunity to govern. Some of those seniors have already contemplated life away from the centre of politics secure in the knowledge that replacements were waiting in the wings. Our internal processes will equip the talented young members to contest future elections with the approval of branches as circumstances merit.

"The views Makai expressed are well known to us and we predict bright futures for him and the others within the PLP ranks."