Herrera withdraws from deputy leader election

Labour MP Josè Herrera has withdrawn from the election for the MLP's deputy leader for parliamentary affairs.

Dr Herrera said he had a change of heart after thinking about the issue for a long time.

"I felt that I would be in a better position to serve my party and the country if I concentrated on my parliamentary work and on my constituency," he said. He emphasised that his decision had nothing to do with the appointment of Joseph Muscat as party leader, saying he had the greatest respect for the young MEP and would be loyal to him. Dr Herrera's withdrawal leaves another three candidates in the race - Carmelo Abela, Chris Cardona and Anġlu Farrugia.