In a new twist to the race for Umno's upper echelon, there is speculation that menteri besars are consolidating support to push a few of their own to leadership positions in the party.

A party source said today if this materialises, the coming Umno elections will see at least two menteri besars training their crosshair o­n the vice-president posts while the rest will aim for seats in the supreme council.

According to the source, several menteri besars - who by virtue of their position are also the respective state Umno chiefs and appointed supreme council members- have expressed interest in the vice-president posts.