The Progressive Labour Party has said that rules have not been changed ahead of any possible leadership challenge at next month’s delegates conference.

The comments followed widespread social media traffic claiming that the process to challenge David Burt, the Premier, or make a bid for the deputy leadership, had been made more stringent.

The squall erupted after Lawrence Scott, the Transport Minister, told The Royal Gazette that he was considering standing against Walter Roban, the Home Affairs Minister, for deputy leader, and speculation continued that Mr Burt could face an attempt to topple him as leader at next month’s PLP gathering.

It was claimed online that MPs had been requested to sign a memorandum of understanding stating they could not challenge or speak out against Mr Burt, or challenge his decisions.

A PLP spokesman told The Royal Gazette: “Any one of the MPs currently serving in the House of Assembly are able to submit their names for election as party leader or deputy party leader.

“These positions are voted on at the PLP annual general conference — popularly referred to as the delegates’ conference.

“The PLP constitution is the governing document of the party, and any amendment must be ratified by a two-thirds vote at an annual general conference or a special general conference before being implemented.

“No one, including the party leader, has the unilateral ability to change the party’s constitution or any other rules of the party.

“Any reports or sources citing this are inaccurate, misleading and, unfortunately, are deemed mischievous.

“To be clear, there have been no amendments to the PLP constitution regarding leadership elections for the upcoming conference.

“Eligible candidates for the positions to be voted must submit their names and fulfil any requirements by September 28, 2022 as per the party’s constitution.

“The PLP regards these elections as internal party matters.

“In this respect, no further comment is planned until after September 28, 2022 when the names of any PLP MPs who contest for the offices of leader and deputy leader will be shared with the country."

The PLP reaction came after internet claims that the party had tightened rules aimed at making it harder for a challenge for the top two posts.

The PLP comments come after the party insisted that MPs will have access to the names of delegates who have the power to vote in any leadership challenge for the two senior posts.

The move followed concerns by senior PLP figures that the 2021 list of delegates was not being circulated to members who may stand against Mr Burt or the deputy party leader.

The positions of leader and deputy leader of the PLP are open for elections every four years.

The PLP conference takes place from October 19-22.