Jason Micallef steps down

Labour Party general secretary Jason Micallef will become chairman of One Productions, the party's media company, on Thursday, and will not stand for re-election when his term expires in January.

The managing director of One Productions, Michael Vella Haber, will retain his post. Mr Micallef had backed Joseph Muscat in his successful bid to become Labour leader last year but it was widely held that the two were not getting along.

One of Dr Muscat's first moves was to set up a new CEO position within the party, an office occupied by James Piscopo. This was seen by many to mean a vote of no confidence in Mr Micallef since many of his responsibilities as general secretary were assumed by Mr Piscopo.

Mr Micallef did not comment when contacted yesterday and the party said the decision was taken in the best interests of the PL. It said the decision was made following talks during summer on how to improve the administrative, political and commercial aspects of the party.

Last year, Mr Micallef was re-elected general secretary despite having lost the general election, one that after almost 20 years of Nationalist government, many thought was Labour's to win.

During last year's general conference his position was hotly contested by Alfred Grixti, Joe Vella Bonnici and the former deputy general secretary Keith Grech.