The Labour Party plans to hold what is being described as the longest general council to decide upon a national strategy to attract those who do not support it.

Taking centre stage at a reception for journalists, representatives of unions and other organised bodies, party leader Joseph Muscat said the nine-day event, at the end of the month, would include the election of the general secretary.

Labour president Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi temporarily stepped in the shoes of Jason Micallef who had been asked to step down last September and is now chairman of the party's media company, One Productions.

Dr Muscat said the aim behind a long general council was to listen to those who were apolitical: those who chose not to participate in elections and did not support any party.

Describing this year as an important one for the party - it marks its 90th anniversary - Dr Muscat said everyone was invited to embrace a national strategy based on common values to build a movement for change in anticipation of the islands' EU presidency in seven years' time.

"We cannot leave preparations to the last minute and must begin preparing now. We cannot go there with the mentality that anything goes," he said.

Among the values that will be taken into consideration, he mentioned the environment, the economy, civil rights and equality.

"The party wants to be a catalyst of change for everyone," he added.

The council, Dr Muscat insisted, was not related to the general election, which he described as the means to an end, not an end in itself.

kbugeja@timesofmalta.com