Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson turned up the political heat last night by revealing he will stand against Premier Jennifer Smith for the leadership of the PLP -- if party members ask him to do so.

Mr. Hodgson has previously played his cards close to his chest, saying `no comment' when asked if he would challenge Ms Smith for the Premiership and leadership of the party.

But last night he told The Royal Gazette : "In whatever way the Premier or the party calls on me to serve, I hope I'll be able to answer.'' In an earlier interview with ZBM, Mr. Hodgson, considered the most widely tipped potential challenger to Ms Smith, said he was not running for any office.

But he added tellingly: "If in the present role I am playing, if it is not satisfactory to the Premier or the party and they want to give me whatever role to play -- be it the chairman of the party, the leader of the party, or the chief bottle washer -- I would be happy to do it.'' Opponents of Ms Smith within the PLP say there is growing discontent with her leadership style, which they describe as secretive, authoritarian, arrogant and aloof.

Many leading party members feel Ms Smith will need to be ditched from the leadership to ensure she does not jeopardise the party's chances of re-election.

Critics say Ms Smith commands the support of a minority of her MPs, but branch delegates to the PLP's conference - which kicks off in just over a week - have more votes.

It is understood Mr. Hodgson will not declare his candidacy, but will mount a challenge to Ms Smith on the last day of conference if he feels enough party members will back him.

Hodgson may challenge Premier Columnist and PLP supporter Rolfe Commissiong said last night: "I think its likely he will stand and his chances are fairly good.

"Among those who have been advocating change and working towards it, there is a growing optimism regarding the number count.

"There's a growing disquiet about the direction of the leadership and I believe the momentum is going to continue towards change.

"That is not to say the Premier does not have the resources and ability to resist the impetus to change, but the challenge appears to be getting stronger by the day.

"He brings clear leadership capabilities and has the ability to see the wood from the trees.

"He is an independent man who is very confident, and he has exercised leadership on one of the most critical issues facing the future of the country -- sustainable development. And he is not afraid to engage intellectually.

"The Premier has a tendency to micro-manage and she needs to trust and delegate more.

"The country deserves to have the brightest and the best utilised to the maximum, whether that be at Cabinet or backbench level, and I'm not sure that's the case.

"Although she is the prime example of it, there is still an element within the Government and the party that is still operating with the opposition mentality.

"We have taken over the reigns of Government but still some are prone to be reactionary rather than proactive.'' Mr. Commissiong added that the party was now strong enough and mature enough to come through a leadership challenge without splitting.

A PLP insider said: "The problem with Jennifer is her insecurity. She relies on herself to an inordinate degree. She has authoritarian tendencies and surrounds herself with cronies.

"She has an inability to go off the script without become defensive when she is asked questions.''