Party -- defeating two-time loser Alex Scott for the top job.

She beat Mr. Scott by a convincing 48 votes to 29.

And Mr. Scott -- who took over Ms Smith's old job in August as deputy leader after the death of Opposition Leader Frederick Wade -- declined to stand again as deputy leader, despite being nominated.

Instead, a two-way fight between party veteran and Finance spokesman Eugene Cox and human affairs spokesman Ewart Brown ended in a convincing victory for Mr. Cox by 52 votes to 22.

A beaming Ms Smith said last night minutes after cheers greeted her victory: "I'm buoyed up. I did expect a challenge having had one in August -- Mr.

Scott and myself both strongly believe we can lead this party to victory.

"He put himself forward for the delegates to have a choice between the two of us and the delegates made their choice.'' But she insisted there were no hard feelings between the two challengers -- and said she hoped the vote would put an end to speculation over a split between the so-called old guard and new guard of the PLP.

Ms Smith said: "People have had the opportunity in the last few months to examine the both of us and they made a decision. And I can't in any way fault a politician for having ambition.'' And she said she did not see a shadow Cabinet reshuffle in the immediate future -- leaving Mr. Scott as Home Affairs and Public Safety spokesman.

Mr. Cox said he was delighted to be selected by the party as deputy -- especially with such a landslide result.

He added: "I feel very good and I look forward to working with our leader. I certainly see myself as there to support her and implement the goals she has.'' He said: "I would like to think we are the dream ticket -- people have considered me as one of the old guard, but I am all for the promotion of the party and we are all intent on putting the party first.'' Ms Smith won leadership in August after an election forced by Mr. Wade's death with 26 votes to Mr. Scott's 18. Mr. Cox polled five votes.

At the same time, Mr. Scott triumphed in the deputy's race, beating Terry Lister by 25 votes to 17, with Nelson Bascome an also-ran polling only seven votes.

But last night Mr. Scott pledged his loyalty to Ms Smith, and said he would continue to serve as a Shadow Minister if required -- and also insisted there were no deep divides in the PLP.

He said: "It was a fair open election and I made the case -- this was an attempt to give voice to others who may have felt frustrated.

"The PLP can have a strong challenge for its leadership -- but the moment the delegates have spoken, the challenge is over.'' Mr. Scott said he made his decision to stand for leader again after "a very large number'' of Parliamentary colleagues urged him to put his name forward.

He said: "I do not think the party leader who won fairly and squarely should have a deputy who had the support of a large number of Parliamentarians.'' And he added Ms Smith's second victory had earned her the right to surround herself with her own team, while ruling out another challenge from himself in two years time when the next party elections are scheduled.

How They Voted Leader Jennifer Smith 48 (62%) Alex Scott 29 (38%) Deputy Leader Eugene Cox 52 (70.2%) Ewart Brown 22 (29.8%)