Deputy Leader of the Progressive Labour Party was closer than initially indicated, the PLP said last night.

PLP spokesman Ms Paula Cox maintained last night that Ms Smith's victory early on Friday morning was "decisive'', as reported in yesterday's Royal Gazette .

It was not, however, "an overwhelming majority'', she said.

Ms Cox would not divulge what the result in favour of Ms Smith was, but explained: "I consider it decisive as long as it's over a couple of votes.'' In other results from Thursday night's voting for party officers, journalist Ms Laverne Furbert was elected the PLP's new secretary general. She succeeds Mr. George Scott, who has stepped down and will serve as assistant secretary general, Ms Cox said.

Mr. Ralph Bassett, Mr. Rolfe Commissiong, Mr. Ralph York, Mr. Ivan Smith, Mr.

Charles Daniels, and Mr. Shakir Cromwell were elected central committee representatives, Ms Cox said.

Mrs. Brunell Henry retains her post as membership secretary.

The Gazette earlier reported that Mr. Frederick Wade MP was returned as party leader, while Mr. Victor Fishington was returned as chairman and Ms Marie Richards as his deputy.