Zrinzo Azzopardi to seek re-election as PL president

Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi has dismissed speculation that he will replace outgoing Labour Party general secretary Jason Micallef in January, insisting yesterday he will instead stand again as party president.

After Mr Micallef stepped down last Monday, Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi was appointed by the party's administration as interim general secretary until the annual general conference in January. But he ruled out seeking to remain in the post on a permanent basis on a radio programme yesterday. He was elected party president last year, obtaining more than 71 per cent of delegates' support.

With Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi out of the running for the post of general secretary, it is not yet clear who will contest.

Labour leader Joseph Muscat is said to be taking an active role in the matter and various people have already been approached.

It is understood that Dr Muscat wants to avoid a repeat of what happened last year when Mr Micallef was re-confirmed general secretary, a move that did not go down well outside the confines of the party.

The departure of Mr Micallef and his subsequent posting as chairman of One Productions is believed to have been steered by Dr Muscat.

The move came at the same time as Labour confirmed it had engaged former Nationalist Party candidate Marisa Micallef as a consultant.

On Tuesday and again yesterday Dr Muscat and his deputies told supporters the party needed change, knowing that the decisions may have irked the party grassroots.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com