Premier Paula Cox has put her party's faithful on alert that she is about to make “some bold steps” that may not be popular in some quarters.She also told those who attended the Progressive Labour Party's 44th Annual Conference Banquet at Fairmont Southampton on Saturday that a general election would probably take place within the next 12 months.“I don't think I'm giving away anything when I say this is probably going to be the last banquet before the blessed event,” she stated.Technically, an election can be held as late as early 2013.Referring to the fact that she had completed her first year in office, Ms Cox said: “A year gives you a chance to get into a rhythm. A year also allows you to understand your strengths and weaknesses and also the weaknesses within. And it also gives you a launching pad for taking some risks and also making some bold steps.”She added: “Not everyone will like it but it will be the benchmark because now a year is under one's belt and it's time to move on, and time to also shake it up a bit.”As those in the room applauded, Ms Cox continued: “I hope you will continue [that] in the near future.”She did not offer any specifics as to what her “bold steps” would be, but some speculated that she would be reshuffling her Cabinet.But in an interview yesterday afternoon, the Premier said she was referring to the new parliamentary year.“I am talking about what's going to be happening as part of our new parliamentary year — the Throne Speech and what's going to be required.”Citing a notion introduced by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Premier told her audience that they represented “smart power” and that the application of “smart power” was going to transform the Country.“Not soft power, not hard power but smart power — that's what's going to change this Country and this Government. That is what is going to take us over the edge.”The Premier also called for party solidarity.“It is critically important as a party and as party leader that we have people who want to stay on the train and are prepared to work together to effect a vision to move the train ahead with solidarity.”