A nominator and a seconder will have to put forward a candidate from the floor at the party conference.

If their favoured candidate agrees to stand, the party will then be locked into a process expected to last up to one-and-a-half hours.

Mr. Tyrell said the election, by secret ballot, would hinge on how many delegates attended but he refused to give details on exact numbers expected.

He said: "This changed from Monday to Tuesday.'' And Mr. Tyrell declined to reveal the maximum number of delegates that could attend.

Candidates are allowed to address the conference to put forward their case and the floor can be opened for supporters to weigh in.

Mr. Tyrell said he wasn't able to say if there would be a challenger.

Returning Officer and former PLP Secretary General Walter Roban will organise handing out and collecting of ballot papers from delegates -- a simple majority is enough to win the contest.