John Compton's death created the vacancy in parliament

The leader of the opposition wants the police chief and the Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate the claims made against the Prime Minister and two of his cabinet colleagues.

The allegations were made by George Daniel, one of the by-election candidates, who decided to run as an Independent after losing the nomination of the governing United Workers Party.

Mr Daniel told a local television station he was offered a job as Economic Policy Advisor in the office of the Prime Minister, in return for quitting his campaign and supporting the ruling party candidate - Jeanine Rambally.

Mr. Daniel lost the nomination by two votes to Mrs Rambally, who is the daughter of Mr Compton.

He later criticised the selection procedure and decided to run as an Independent.

Now he says the government offered to buy him out with a top job in the office of the Prime Minister.

Disrepute

But Prime Minister Stephenson King has denied the allegations.

He told BBC Caribbean: "I would not have done such a thing because what it means that when you make such an offer is that you are tying your hands to a decision that you are not sure will work out."

A similar denial has come from other government ministers.

But opposition leader Dr Kenny Anthony insisted that the police should still investigate the claims.

The small opposition group, known as ONE, has said the allegations have cast a shadow over the office of Prime Minister, and could bring it into disrepute.

The by-election will be held on 26 November.