Buontempo will not run for MLP deputy leader

Labour MP Stefan Buontempo has become the first man touted as a potential candidate for one of Labour's leadership posts to officially decline to run.

In the past weeks more people have been confirming their candidature for one of the three leadership posts early next month, making this one of the most crowded contests in recent history. Besides the five candidates for the post of leader, there are five confirmed names so far for the two deputy leadership posts.

Following the confirmation of Carmelo Abela, Chris Cardona and Anġlu Farrugia as contestants for the post of deputy leader for parliamentary affairs and Gavin Gulia and Toni Abela for deputy leader for party affairs, Dr Buontempo told The Times he has decided not to run for the latter post - something which he had been actively considering previously.

At this point in his life, Dr Buontempo said he has decided to focus on his family.

"I have two young children and I realised during the campaign how much my not being present has affected them, so I decided not to contest the post."

He thanked the people who had been encouraging him to contest and said he would be working within the party in the coming years as he had done in the past.