HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Deputy Premier Ewart Brown has dismissed speculation and ruled himself out of the running for the leadership of the ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP).
Political observers say Brown’s declaration increases the likelihood of Premier Alex Scott remaining unchallenged in the top job he has held since shortly after the PLP was returned to power three years ago.
Scott’s popularity has slipped by five percentage points in the latest poll to around 46 per cent and his term as party leader ends in October.
Scott succeeded Jennifer Smith, who resigned following a revolt by half of the party’s 22 MPs just days after the 2003 poll. He has not given any indication whether he would contest the leadership of the party in October.
“I appreciate your inquiry about the PLP’s October conference and look forward to your coverage of the event. Our conference covers matters that are of extreme importance to the development and direction of the party and we will be pleased to talk with you at that time.”
PLP Senator Walter Roban said there had been no indication that Scott would not make himself available to be nominated for re-election as leader.
“I’m surprised that anybody would suggest that he wouldn’t. I can’t say that I know his mind 100 per cent because I’m not him. But I don’t believe that he will do anything else but be nominated and continue as leader.”
The latest poll also showed the opposition United Bermuda Party closing the gap on the PLP to 1.7 per cent. The next election is due by 2008.
Brown has publicly made known in the past his ambition to be party leader and Premier, but he told reporters “I have no intention of seeking the leadership at this year’s conference and I hope that one day I will qualify”.
But he said that he was still standing by remarks he made earlier this year about his political future.
“I said that I have no intention of challenging for the leadership at this time and that whenever, if I ever change my mind and decide to, then the Premier would be the first person to know.”