DRUG Control Minister Wayne Perinchief yesterday said if Ewart Brown took over the leadership of the PLP, it would be a "natural evolution" for the party.

But fellow PLP MP Ren?e Webb lent her support to Paula Cox and said that while Dr. Brown had the tools for the top job, he "just had to work better with people".

As the battle for hearts and minds in the ruling party began, Mr. Perinchief told the that Dr. Brown's challenge for the leadership had been inevitable since he and ten other rebel MPs ousted former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith.

"It's no secret that 11 of us opposed Jennifer Smith and, as a result, we ended up with a compromise candidate (Alex Scott) becoming leader," Mr. Perinchief said.

"The party is going through a natural evolution ? we expected to see Dr. Brown as leader in the future.

"But it is a secret ballot and it is up to the delegates, so we will have to see what they decide."

Mr. Perinchief said Dr. Brown did have the characteristics to be an effective leader.

"I think he's very capable and he's got a track record of being capable in both his ministries," Mr. Perinchief said.

"He has turned Tourism around and he's organised Transport in a very efficient way. He has an international flair that he's shown in the Caribbean and the continental US and he could certainly take the country forward."

Backbencher Ms Webb was more enthused about the prospect of Finance Minister Paula Cox throwing her hat into the ring than with Dr. Brown's challenge.

"I think Dr. Brown has done the right thing by resigning and now he can campaign openly," Ms Webb said.

"I believe he has the right qualities to be leader, but he just has to work better with people. He does get things done though."

Ms Webb said she would support Ms Cox and hoped she would challenge Mr. Scott too.

"I think the fact that she is a woman would make it difficult for her, however," Ms Webb said.

"Even though most of the delegates are women, there is a very chauvinistic male element in the PLP. They don't want another woman leader and they have said so. But I think Paula Cox would make a great leader."