Labour MP and former Labour Party leadership candidate Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca announced today that she will not be a candidate at the next general election.

The shock announcement was made in a short statement.

Ms Coleiro Preca had opposed the introduction of divorce. She said yesterday that she would abstain in parliament, and also complained about threats and intimidation made against her and her family. However in yesterday's statement she made no reference to her decision to stand down at the next election.

Ms Coleiro-Preca, who served for many years as PL general secretary, said she informed Dr Muscat or her decision on Tuesday.

She said she was making her announcement now to avoid misinterpretation of her intentions. She said she had taken the decision in the best interests of the Labour Party and she expected that no one would try to gain advantage from it.

She said her conscience was at peace as she was loyal to the party throughout the 36 years of her involvement. She thanked all those with whom she had worked for greater social justice in the country. She also thanked her constituents.

Ms Coleiro-Preca is currently shadow minister for health.