Premier Ewart Brown retained the support of the PLP's central committee last night — and is now almost certain not to face a special delegates' conference to decide whether he remains party leader.

Dr. Brown emerged from Alaska Hall at 11.50 p.m. to cheers and applause from supporters after a hot and crowded four-hour meeting. Earlier, entering party headquarters, he said he felt "absolutely" confident.

As many as 200 PLP members packed out last night's session, during which a motion to hold a special delegates' conference on the leadership was proposed and later withdrawn.

Looking relaxed and upbeat, the Premier told The Royal Gazette afterwards: "We did what the party leadership promised to do and that was to have a full, open, frank discussion about all the issues, including the issue of leadership and once again the central committee supported my leadership and supported my effort to reach out to the backbench more frequently, with more energy and to try to bridge the gap that exists. It's not going to be easy but I am prepared to."

He explained that no vote took place on the motion about a special delegates' conference because it was withdrawn by the proposer. Dr. Brown said he could not remember who the proposer was. "It was destined for failure and rather than have it fail, it was withdrawn," he said.

Asked if he was given a hard time by his critics within the party, he replied: "There is no hard time to be had at Alaska Hall. Sometimes it gets a little testy but no, tonight was very courteous. I think our people are evolving in terms of being able to handle disagreements."

Dr. Brown added: "I liked what I saw [tonight]. I saw a lot of new faces asking questions. I'm happy about how it turned out. I am overall happy with the result, realising that no one ever promised that this would be a rose garden."

Newly fired Cabinet Ministers Terry Lister and El James, who led calls for Dr. Brown to resign on Friday, both attended last night. Asked to name their replacements, the Premier said there would be a press conference at Alaska Hall this morning.

PLP public relations officer Wentworth Christopher said after the meeting he expected that there would now be a "period of healing" for the party.

He said in a statement: "Alaska Hall was overflowing as the PLP central committee met to discuss matters of importance. There was spirited discussion, with the dominant theme being party unity.

"The issue of leadership was fully aired and the party leader offered an olive branch to those who have spoken against him. He also reminded them of the access that he has always provided for the discussion of concerns."

Mr. Christopher said the proposer of a motion to have a special delegates' conference withdrew the motion "after the chairman afforded all representatives the opportunity to speak".

Rolfe Commissiong, race relations consultant to the Premier, described the attendance as "a full house, standing room only". He said about 40 of the 200 members present spoke.

"The vast majority of those members spoke about concern about the party and reaffirming their support for the Premier," he said. He admitted there were concerns about a split party "to some extent".

He said: "It was clear there was not any discernible support for any major move against the Premier. The party is solidly behind Premier Dr. Brown with resounding support.

"The members voted on a motion that would have called for that but the motion was actually withdrawn by the sponsor at the end of the meeting." Asked who was behind the motion, he said: "I can't say."

Four PLP MPs, including Energy Minister Mr. Lister and Education Minister El James, told the House of Assembly on Friday that Dr. Brown should step down. Asked if he had any comment on being fired, Mr. James said last night: "Not really, not yet."

The PLP constitution dictates that a special delegates' conference can be called either by the central committee or if 12 of the 36 PLP branches request one. It is understood that no branches have asked for such a conference.

Last night was the second time in two months that the Premier has retained the support of the central committee. On May 4, the membership affirmed "overwhelming support" for him, according to Mr. Christopher.

As Deputy Premier Paula Cox left she said: "I think we've had a productive discussion."

Senator Walton Brown said: "It was a democratic spirited debate."

Minister without Portfolio Walter Roban said: "I can't comment. I'm under pledge to the central committee and the rules of the party."