Sant 'reconsidering' his position

Labour leader Alfred Sant is believed to be reconsidering his decision to step down but asked yesterday about his plans he refused to comment.

A day after the defeat suffered by the MLP at the April 12 polls, Dr Sant had publicly declared he did not intend to contest the party leadership in the next general conference "because it's time to make space for a new leadership".

However, sources said officials present for the party's executive committee meeting on Wednesday were told "there had been developments which made (Dr Sant) reconsider his decision".

Contacted yesterday, Dr Sant would not comment.

Nominations for the leadership open on May 8 and close on May 10. The election will be held on May 15. Political observers say the uncertainty on Dr Sant's future makes the task more difficult for potential challengers.

At the executive committee meeting, the party administration read out a letter saying they were prepared to serve the party until January. All those who signed the letter reserved the right to resign and contest the same or any other post within the party.

They said they shouldered political responsibility together with the leadership for the electoral defeat.

The party administration is made up of president Manwel Cuschieri, vice president Philip Borg, general secretary Jimmy Magro, international secretary Michael Falzon, treasurer Tommy Dimech, education secretary Joseph Muscat, and party whip Joe Mizzi.

Asked why they felt the need to make such a declaration when the party statute stipulates that the administration's term of office expires in January, Mr Magro said they felt they had to make such a collective declaration to the committee.

Party sources said some members of the administration had expressed the wish to resign but had been advised to serve until January by other party officials.

Deputy leaders George Vella and Joe Brincat have offered to resign but reserved the right to recontest the post.

Mr Magro said none of the party leaders was automatically re-appointed and the statute stipulates that they have to submit their nomination for the post.

John Attard Montalto, one of the first MPs to declare his interest in the leadership post if Dr Sant chooses not to contest, yesterday said he was now determined to submit his nomination whatever happens.

Although he did not have the support of anyone within the party structure, he felt it would be healthy for the party to have a contest, he said when contacted.

The name of George Abela, a former deputy leader of the MLP, is also being mentioned among the possible contenders for the top job. Indeed, support for Dr Abela appears to be growing both among MPs and delegates.

Anglu Farrugia is another prospective candidate, as is Evarist Bartolo. However, it is not clear whether any of them will contest while Dr Sant remains in the hot seat.