The Labour Party has attributed its change of heart on Jason Micallef’s candidature to the fact “the political situation has evolved since January”.

That is what the spokesman of the party said when asked why Mr Micallef’s candidature had suddenly been approved only seven months after leader Joseph Muscat said the ex-general secretary would not contest the election.

“The Labour Party approves its candidates regularly during its National Executive meetings and Mr Micallef was approved along with other candidates,” the spokesman told The Times, after being asked whether the party leadership was happy with this latest development.

Sources said Mr Micallef had long fallen from grace in the eyes of the party administration but he could not be persuaded to stay put.

Asked whether Mr Micallef would be made to resign his post as chairman of Labour’s TV station One, since this could be perceived as creating a conflict of interest, the spokesman was evasive.

“Any decision regarding internal appointments within the Labour Party will be announced in due course.”

In a similar case in 2002, former Super One chairman Alfred Mifsud had stepped down to become a general election candidate.

Mr Micallef announced his decision to contest the election in an interview with blogger Andrew Azzopardi.

Mr Micallef said that January’s announcement came about due to the possibility that there would be an early election.

He therefore accepted Dr Muscat’s proposal to use his experience in the running of Labour’s media during the campaign.

But this did not happen because the PN clung to power, he said.

“After I spoke to Dr Muscat, we agreed that I could once again offer my services as a Labour candidate for the next general election.”

He will contest the 11th district which includes Mosta, Attard, Balzan and Mdina.

Asked if the decision had Dr Muscat’s approval and backing, Mr Micallef said: “Absolutely.”