04 Freelander HSE Auto Centre Console Removal

Hello again guys.

I tried last night to remove the centre console from my 04 Freelander Auto and came a bit stuck. Did a search on here and couldnt find anything about removal of the console on the facelift model.

I was able to find all the hidden screws and got the console loose but I was unable to move the cubby box back far enough to be able to move the console back more than an inch. It seemed the hand brake lever was preventing the cubby box to be moved far. Any ideas how to remove the plastic cover of the handbrake?

I also could not work out how to remove the gear selector (remembering its an auto), so if anybody knows how to do that?

All this just to change a nighttime illumination bulb round the heater control and tighten up the 12v outlet by the side of the ash tray.

Any help greatly appreciated.

I was able to lift mine up and forward off the handbrake lever once I'd disconnected the wires from the switches.