Economy Minister Chris Cardona is the first to declare his intention to run for the post of Labour Party deputy leader for party affairs.
The announcement comes a day after Konrad Mizzi resigned the post in the wake of the Panama Papers scandal. Dr Mizzi was merely elected to the post last February in a one-horse race.
"People want a strong economy and good governance. I want to ensure Labour remains the strongest party," Dr Cardona told timesofmalta.com this afternoon.
Dr Cardona, 42, who had placed second when he contested the Labour deputy leadership contest eight years ago, was first elected to parliament 20 years ago.
"There is never a dull moment in politics. We now need a person who can beef up the communication between the government and the party in preparation for the next election. And I believe I know both the party and government very well."
After the next election, I want to move on, but I want to make sure I leave a strong party
The minister said he had proved himself in the "most successful" portfolio, but insisted he did not have any plans to stay long in politics.
"After the next election, I want to move on, but I want to make sure I leave a strong party."
Asked to what extent the Panama scandal had harmed the party, Dr Cardona admitted the controversy had put the PL in a "very difficult" position.
But, he insisted, the Prime Minister had done well to shuffle the portfolios and take "drastic measures" where Dr Mizzi was concerned.
"Now we need to show strong signals of governance."
Dr Cardona was recently in the line of fire after he told party opponents during a highly-charged speech at the PL general conference: “if you hit us with the sword we will hit you back with an axe”.
Asked if he regretted the comment, he replied: "The comment was metaphorical. Maybe it was quoted out of context. What I said there was in my position as a party delegate and not as a minister."
Would he welcome other candidates contesting the post?
"Yes, I hope we have a strong contest. But let's go for a straight fight."
Justice Minister Owen Bonnici, another minister touted for the post, kept his cards to his chest when asked whether he would be contesting the deputy leadership.
“The Prime Minister announced his decisions about the Cabinet and other matters less than 24 hours ago. I am currently focused on my ministerial duties. Any other considerations, while being very important, will be made at another stage,” he said.