PL abolishing post of General Secretary

The Labour Party is to abolish the post of party General Secretary after a unanimous decision by the executive.

The proposal was made by party leader Joseph Muscat and the decision is expected to be confirmed to the PL annual general conference later this month, when the relevant amendment to the party statute will be moved.

The post has since September been filled in a temporary capacity by PL President Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi after Jason Micallef resigned.

The party's administration is under the direction of Chief Executive James Piscopo, the post having been created soon after Dr Muscat became party leader.

The PL said the party would create the minor post of secretary of the national executive, whose role would be similar to that of a company secretary.

The corporate management of the party would remain in the hands of the CEO while the political role previously held by the general secretary will be shared by the deputy leader party affairs (Toni Abela) and the party president.

Dr Abela is expected to oversee labour-run local councils while Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi will be responsible for the party's local committees.