Premier Paula Cox’s position in the Progressive Labour Party has strengthened following the formation of the One Bermuda Alliance, according to sources in the party.Some members of the ruling party were said to have been grumbling about the Premier’s low-key, business-like approach, claiming she appeared out of touch with the working class grassroots.But sources say the emergence of former United Bermuda Party Premier Sir David Gibbons as a perceived supporter of the OBA has energised the PLP’s base and quietened internal critics.Party members are said to be closing ranks amid claims the Opposition has followed the script of a consultant who recommended the UBP split and reform under a different name.Ms Cox’s markedly different style to her fiery predecessor Ewart Brown is said to have found favour with some members but annoyed others; however the majority are prepared to give her a chance to stamp her authority on the party after her first General Election as leader.One well-placed member, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Royal Gazette: “Many within the party view Ms Cox as too invisible, too low key, too pro-business and out of touch.“Some of the people within the party who couldn’t wait to see the back of Dr Brown are now saying they wish he had never left.“Up until the UBP/OBA rebranding many were worried about potentially losing the next election, but the emergence of Sir David Gibbons as a supporter and the sense that the OBA don’t respect the intellect of black voters has quieted a lot of critics and energised the base dramatically.“Many in the party have buyer’s remorse but with no strong alternative, and an Opposition that seems to have a propensity for self-immolation, she appears safe in her position provided the Opposition continues to fail to attract credible black candidates and voters and the economy doesn’t worsen.”One senior member said: “Some people are seeing her as not aggressive and vocal enough; Ewart Brown was seen as more dynamic.“But some are saying they believe they will see more actually being done with Paula. Ewart used to say things will be done but in reality he never did much.“Ewart had his supporters and they might still support him over Paula, but most of the people I’ve spoken to are saying they wish he had gone earlier; he did a substantial amount of damage.“On the whole, she still has the support of the party. After the election, she will have the opportunity to stamp her own authority on it. People are prepared to give her that chance. I think it’s an issue of trust.”PLP supporter and political commentator Jonathan Starling pointed to disagreements over what leadership entails within the party.“There are some who think that leaders need to be strong in the sense of near authoritarian,” said Mr Starling.“Alex Scott, for example, was perceived as weak largely because he placed a particular emphasis on consensus politics.“Paula also places a good deal of emphasis on consensus politics. And I think that’s good. Leadership isn’t about barking orders and expecting others to jump; it’s about hearing different voices, bringing out the best of one’s team and, when consensus cannot be reached, then making decisions. I think that’s good, and a better form of leadership.“I think my main concern with Paula’s leadership is that I’m still waiting for a clear indication of what her policy direction will be.“I like some of what I’ve seen, for example the restructuring of the civil service to make it more efficient, but minimising the negative impacts of it, and the apparent commitment to participatory budgeting.“But I don’t think she’s successfully explained away why we need to make these cuts now as a result of mistakes in the recent past, mistakes that, to a large degree, she needs to shoulder the blame for as the Finance Minister over that time period.”Mr Starling said he believes Ms Cox will set out her policy narrative out in her election campaign, saying while she had shown serious failings as Finance Minister: “I am still willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.”Ms Cox appears to retain the support of her MPs, with backbencher Dale Butler, who ran unsuccessfully against her at last October’s leadership contest, saying: “Premier Cox has worked hard to meet Bermuda’s varied needs and still retains the support of her caucus and party members who share her vision which will help us through these perilous times.”The PLP said in a statement: “The Progressive Labour Party stands firmly in support of our leader Paula Cox.“Our Country is undergoing a very challenging period. We have complete confidence in our leader’s ability to navigate through these tough times.“Under the Cox administration, the Progressive Labour Party Government will continue to move the Island forward together.“Our leader, along with her Cabinet colleagues, joins our backbench and the party in daily addressing the challenges of crime, education and the economy.“These issues are predominant in the minds of all Bermudians and the PLP remain confident that the Cox administration will continue to provide balanced, progressive leadership that has resulted in a Bermuda that is moving forward together.”