Stefan Buontempo may run for MLP deputy leader

Labour MP Stefan Buontempo is actively considering contesting the post of deputy leader for party affairs, The Times has learnt.

Dr Buontempo told The Times that over the past few weeks he has received several phone calls and has been approached by several delegates urging him to run for one of the two deputy leadership posts. He was now actively considering the matter and, if anything, would go for party affairs.

Dr Buontempo first contested a general election on behalf of the Malta Labour Party in 1998 but was not elected. He made it to Parliament for the first time in the 2003 election. In the last general election, Dr Buontempo ran on the second and third districts, being elected with 2,008 first-count votes from the second.

Since he has already been elected, he will not be contesting the casual election on the third electoral district as inadvertently mentioned in yesterday's report. Dr Buontempo is following in the footsteps of his late father, John Buontempo, who also contested on the MLP ticket in the 1970s.

Dr Buontempo had always worked behind the scenes until, in 1996, then Prime Minister Alfred Sant appointed him as consultant to the Minister of Housing and Local Councils, in view of his keen interest in housing issues.

Dr Buontempo said he will be making his final decision on whether to contest in the coming days.