The Progressive Labour Party has changed the party's constitution to extend the term of the leadership from two to four years - to take effect after the party's annual conference in November, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Not all MPs are thrilled and some party supporters have already criticised the move. But the Opposition United Bermuda Party is celebrating.

Public relations officer Glenn Blakeney confirmed that changes were made to the constitution and denied reports that the move was to stave off any potential challengers to Premier Jennifer Smith's leadership of the party.

And he corrected a perception currently making the rounds that the changes meant that Ms Smith could not be challenged at the party's next annual conference in November.

"The big story is a penchant for secrecy and manipulation of the democratic process," said political critic Rolfe Commissiong. He claimed that a number of MPs did not know of the meeting in which the changes were made and many of those that did had no idea that constitutional change was on the agenda.

`With such a significant change in the party's constitution one would think that they (parliamentarians) would have been informed."

Mr. Blakeney said: "There have been changes made to the constitution which have been ratified. With regard to the changes affecting elected officers, in particular the leader, the ratification of that amendment will take effect after the November conference."

He would not confirm specifically what the changes were, but confirmed that a meeting was held about two weeks ago to finish off last year's annual conference which had been adjourned to deal with outstanding matters. `Until such time as we have informed our members we won't make any further public comments on the changes, if at all."

He also denied claims that the process had been shrouded in secrecy and laughed off rumours that the changes were designed to block challenges for the leadership. "I think that's ridiculous - so much so that its laughable," he said. "There were no ulterior motives and to my knowledge no intent to circumvent any democratic conventions. I know that the Premier welcomes people to challenge her through the democratic process."

The number of delegates attending the meeting were "beyond what was required for a quorum", he said when asked.

"There was a full attendance of delegates that were invited and could make it. Nothing was done in secrecy."

Backbencher Dale Butler was not aware of the changes when contacted. "I do know that it was discussed two years ago but they had not completed their deliberations."

He said the rationale given for the change when it was first proposed was to ensure some stability for the new Government.

Asked whether he was supportive of the amendment, Mr. Butler said "No. If you are doing your job, you should have no problem with anyone at anytime challenging your leadership. If I'm doing my job, vote on me every year. It'll keep me on my toes." He said: "You don't need that kind of long term entrenchment where a person who is not doing their job is stuck there. I definitely could not support a two year move. Me, personally, vote on me every year."

Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister John Barritt told The Royal Gazette that the move would likely accelerate a change in Government, because the move would put the party leader further out of touch with her own supporters. "I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to hear the arguments," he said. "It's unusual, I think, for political parties in democratic countries for a leader to be insulated for that amount of time. But if the PLP wants to run that risk, then it would be better for everyone else in the long run - it's good news for those who aren't PLP supporters because it will likely accelerate change in government."

Political scientist Walton Brown said that the party's parliamentary group could change its leader at any time. "If the intent was to stave off any potential challenger (for four years) and secondly if there is a critical mass of people who do wish to see a change in leadership what that change is going to create is an impetus for change elsewhere," Mr. Brown said.

"The only venue for that change, within the four year period, is the parliamentary group. Because it is the parliamentary group who effectively determine who the premier is."