Wednesday night's backbench rebellion is just a taste of things to come for Premier Ewart Brown this summer, according to a host of Government MPs.

Backbenchers are said to be ready to emulate Randy Horton and Wayne Perinchief by voting down any of Dr. Brown's legislation they don't support — or have suspicions over.

Controversial laws surrounding gaming and the corporations are said to present a particular struggle for Dr. Brown as MPs refuse to toe his line in the final six months of his term.

"I wasn't surprised about what happened with Horton and Perinchief," said one backbencher yesterday.

"The backbench is not likely to support any of his legislation for the sake of it. If they have some concern, it will get kicked to the kerb."

On Wednesday, Dr. Brown's bill to entitle Deputy Premier Paula Cox to a 50 percent pay rise — despite all other MPs deferring their own salary hikes — was beaten by 14 votes to 12, with Mr. Horton and Mr. Perinchief both voting against it.

That came amid suspicions raised by the Opposition that the Premier was trying to embarrass Ms Cox by singling her out for a pay rise shortly after she delivered an unpopular Budget. They said he was trying to undermine her likely Premiership bid later this year. Dr. Brown refused to tell the House why he was bringing the bill at that time, despite numerous MPs asking him, but later told this newspaper it was a "housekeeping bill" which clears the way for future administrations.

Former Premier Alex Scott voted in favour of the bill, telling The Royal Gazette yesterday he could understand the need to bring Ms Cox's salary into line with her Cabinet colleagues, even though the Minister had pledged not to accept the rise in any case.

Regarding the timing of the bill, Mr. Scott argued there is no popular time to introduce pay increases for politicians.

However, reflecting on the rebellion, he said: "It suggests that with every step taken, legislation is going to be a challenge for Dr. Brown, especially if it's 'controversial', such as gaming or the corporations. These things are now obviously going to be subject to a very tough parliamentary process."

Those views were backed up by two more Progressive Labour Party MPs speaking on condition of anonymity.

Dr. Brown has been dubbed a lame duck in some quarters since announcing his retirement well in advance of the end of his four-year term this October.

The biggest backbench rebellion he has faced so far was last July, when seven PLP MPs voted against his cruise ship gaming bill as he made a failed attempt to push it through without rebel or Opposition members knowing.