A party in turmoil? Sources say Paul Davis's leadership will be put to the test

Sources from within the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador are opening up about what they say is a growing divide, one pitting elements of the party's grassroots against those who support Leader Paul Davis.

And it looks like that discontent may spill over onto the convention floor in Gander next month.

Insiders say the wheels are in motion to ensure delegates have a say on the party's leadership at the convention and annual general meeting (AGM) , scheduled for Oct. 22-23.

"Right now, if you haven't knelt down before Paul Davis, you're the enemy," an influential party member, who asked not to be named, told CBC News Friday.

Motions in the works

Party rules stipulate that in order to have a leadership review, a motion must be brought to the party within a month of the AGM.

The deadline for that is the middle of next week, and sources say at least two official motions are in the works, meaning delegates could be asked to vote on whether Davis should stay on as leader.

There's also rumblings that some executive members with the party may face some challenges at the AGM, with some well-placed sources saying former MHA and cabinet minister Ross Wiseman — a close ally of Paul Davis — is eyeing the president's post.

Wiseman is in Ireland this week and could not be reached.

The current party president, Mark Whiffen, did not respond to an interview request.

This all comes as the party tries to rebuild following its crushing defeat to Premier Dwight Ball and the Liberals in last fall's general election, ending 12 years of Tory rule.

Sources say much of the friction is related to the composition and salaries of those working in the Official Opposition office, most notably chief of staff Joe Browne.

• PC Leader Paul Davis staying on through next election

There's also growing discontent over Paul Davis's announcement earlier this month that he wants to stay on as party leader, despite the fact he failed to lead the party to victory last fall.

"The early message was Davis would be gone in a year. Now he's changed direction and not everybody's happy about that," said another insider.

Joe Browne earning more than the premier's chief

Those critical of the current leadership repeatedly reference the salary paid to Browne.

According to information provided by the House of Assembly, Browne was earning more than $160,000 as of May 31. 

That's more than $12,000 higher than the salary earned by Greg Mercer, the premier's chief of staff.

The PC caucus office also released salary figures today showing Browne's salary is closer to $152,000.

Browne is the former chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, and Davis is a former RNC constable.

• Former RNC chief Joe Browne to run premier's office

Browne was hired by then premier Paul Davis two years ago as his chief of staff, and has remained in that position in the Opposition office.

Critics say several dedicated and talented staff members were let go in order to "fatten up" the salaries of Browne and others.

They say Browne has "no history with the party" and "a lot of people who sweat for the party for years were laid off for these juicy salaries."

Meanwhile, Davis was not available for an interview Friday, but his office released a statement saying he supports a full discussion about leadership.

He also defended the salaries, saying he's proud of the quality, experienced staff in the Opposition office. 

Another Crosbie in politics?

The friction has also generated renewed discussion about who might want to lead the party into the future, with some of the talk on Friday circling around lawyer Ches Crosbie, who recently sold his law firm.

Crosbie is in Europe and could not be reached for comment, but sources say the 63-year-old has stepped up his involvement with the party, and how it might renew itself ahead of another election.

Meanwhile, a source inside the PC caucus described the internal bickering as a distraction at a time when the PCs have a real opportunity to capitalize on the plummeting popularity of the Liberals.