UPDATED: MLP general secretary election: Jimmy Magro comes out against his successor

Adds reaction by Jason Micallef

Former MLP general secretary Jimmy Magro has urged party delegates not to back his successor Jason Micallef, in the election for the post of general secretary tomorrow.

Writing in timesofmalta.com this morning in reaction to a story in The Sunday Times (Vella Bonnici makes huge gains in race for top post), Mr Magro describes Mr Micallef as “arrogant”.

Mr Magro said that some years ago he wrote an e-mail to Mr Micallef to request an appointment. He wrote back, and copied the e-mail to the party leader (Alfred Sant), saying that he saw no reason why he should meet him.

“When I replied back to both persons I never got a second reply. Meaning both agreed that I should not meet Jason Micallef. How can the party move forward under these conditions of arrogance and stupidity?” Mr Magro asks.

“I have learned that the incumbent has a hefty salary and a one-year salary if his contract is terminated. When my contract ended with the MLP, I had to register for work for six months and we are a family of six. I had to apply for social assistance too. This is what I got from serving the Party for more than 14 yrs at the national level,” Mr Magro said.

“I appeal to all delegates to make the most logical step: elect a new secretary general.”

Mr Magro was MLP general secretary for 12 years.

Reacting to Mr Magro's comments, MLP general secretary Jason Micallef said that these comments were a 'blatant lie'.

"My contract has the same conditions as Mr Magro had, the only important difference being that at my request, my salary was several thousand liri less than Mr Magro's as Dr Michael Falzon and Dr Sant can confirm, being the signatories of my contract. I am also not paid for sitting on the board of Super One, like Mr Magro used to be," Mr Micallef said.

"Furthermore, after leaving office and taking leave as was his right, Mr Magro was paid for the rest of his contact by the party. This can be confirmed from minutes of the party's administration at the time."

Mr Micallef said he had been given permission by the MLP electoral commission and the party leadership to make these comments in reply.