their top jobs unopposed.

The two were elected again at the PLP's annual delegates' conference, which holds elections for top party jobs every two years.

A party spokesman said: "The acclamation sends a very clear signal if the immense confidence and trust which the party places in Ms Smith's leadership and vision.

"Likewise, the unopposed return of Mr. Cox as deputy leader also indicates the party's faith in his ability and their desire to continue to benefit from his wisdom and experience.'' The delegates and the Parliamentary PLP group joined up for the votes for top party jobs on Tuesday night.

Also re-elected were party chairman Victor Fishington and deputy chairman Marie Richards.

Walter Roban continues as secretary general.

The PLP's constitution allows for delegates and Parliamentarians -- which includes Senators -- to vote for the leader on a biannual basis, the only time MPs and Senators take an active part in the delegates' conference.

And if the Parliamentary group wanted to remove a leader during the lifetime of a House of Assembly sitting, the PLP branches would still have a big say.

Copies of the PLP constitution are not available -- but it is understood a leader can only be removed by a special conference, which can be called if three of the nine PLP branches petition for a meeting out of the normal annual cycle.

Delegates and Parliamentarians would again be called upon to vote for the leader and/or deputy leader's positions in the party.

And if a leader chose to resign, then the same mechanism would come into play.

When Ms Smith was elected leader after the death of Frederick Wade, the voter breakdown was not made public -- but it is understood she was carried to power by delegates' votes rather than her Parliamentary colleagues.

The Constitution of the Island calls for the Governor of the day to ask the MP with the support of the majority of the House of Assembly to form the Government.

CONFERENCE CON