Backbencher Dale Butler is the people's choice to succeed Ewart Brown as Premier — but Finance Minister Paula Cox remains the favourite among Progressive Labour Party supporters.

Thirty-six percent of people want Mr. Butler to lead the Country from October, compared to 29 percent for Ms Cox and six percent for the other likely contender, Terry Lister.

But the former school principal's Islandwide popularity would not be enough to propel him to victory at the PLP delegates' conference in six months, according to the new poll by Mindmaps.

Among PLP supporters, 46 percent said they wanted Ms Cox to become Premier, compared to 26 percent for the one-time Culture Minister and six percent for Mr. Lister.

Mr. Butler has previously declared his ambition to lead Bermuda, but conceded many in the PLP don't like some of his ideas, such as toning down the racial rhetoric and working more closely with Governor Sir Richard Gozney and the UK.

This month's survey shows backing for Mr. Butler is strong among both Opposition parties, with 42 percent of United Bermuda Party supporters and 49 percent of Bermuda Democratic Alliance supporters giving him the thumbs up.

Mr. Lister is said to have been canvassing within the PLP but has not confirmed he will run for Premier.

He reflected on the poll yesterday: "Polls are but a snapshot in time and the time frame in which you've conducted this poll reflects my undeclared candidacy for the leadership.

"Should I ultimately choose to run for the leadership of the Progressive Labour Party, I would present a plan of unity, fiscal responsibility, problem solving and an orientation for results that would appeal not only to the Party but also the whole of Bermuda. I believe at that time a poll would certainly begin to reflect a better reality.

"I continue to be a person who looks to the future and believe there is a bright future for our Country after October, 2010. I am very keen to play my part in shaping that bright future."

Ms Cox and Mr. Butler did not respond to invitations to comment.

During the poll, voters were given the option to suggest anyone else they would like to lead the PLP after Dr. Brown, with Public Safety Minister David Burch picking up six nominations, and two each for Works Minister Derrick Burgess, former Premier Alex Scott and Energy Minister Michael Scott.

Attorney General Kim Wilson and Junior Tourism Minister Marc Bean got one vote each, and one person said: "Anybody else."

Dr. Brown didn't receive a single vote, while the person most likely to be disappointed come October is the one who wanted the next leader of the PLP to be United Bermuda Party MP John Barritt.