Education Minister Evarist Bartolo has ruled himself out of the race for the Labour Party deputy leader for party affairs.

In a post on Facebook this morning, Mr Bartolo said the best way for him to continue working for social justice and inclusion is to continue serving in his current post. 

He said he hoped that the individuals contesting the post would really respect the values of the Labour Party and that it would be delegates who decide.

Mr Bartolo's declaration comes hours after Economy Minister Chris Cardona emerged as the first to declare his intention to run for the job.

Konrad Mizzi resigned the post in the wake of the Panama Papers scandal just two months after being elected in a one-horse race. However, he continued serving as minister despite being stripped of the health and energy portfolios. 

Mr Bartolo had said he would have resigned as minister had he been in Dr Mizzi's position.