Flamboyant Labour MP Silvio Parnis was never promised a Ministry for the South as he implied on a TV clip which recently began doing the rounds on the internet, according to a party spokesman.

Muscat never had any discussions of the sort

Mr Parnis was appointed spokesman for the Sustainable Development of the South in January when Labour leader Joseph Muscat reshuffled his shadow cabinet. At the same time, MP Michael Farrugia was appointed spokesman for the Sustainable Development of the North.

In an interview on Smash TV, Mr Parnis had given a candid account of a conversation with Dr Muscat just before the reshuffle.

He said the Labour leader told him he planned to introduce a Minister for the South to complement the Gozo Ministry – something that was introduced successfully by a Nationalist government.

“I thought it was a good idea because I love the people of the south and I know how many things we can do. I’m not going to reveal the projects we can and will do in government. But the south will be proud that it has its own ministry,” Mr Parnis said, indicating he would be the minister.

However, when contacted a party spokesman stressed Mr Parnis never said he would be given the position.

“Such appointments are totally the prerogative of a Prime Minister. Dr Muscat never had any discussions of the sort,” he added.

“The idea of having people shouldering political responsibility on a regional basis was introduced in Labour’s shadow cabinet this year. The transposition of such a model in government is under consideration.”

The Sunday Times contacted Mr Parnis to see whether he felt he was promised the ministry. However, he was reluctant to elaborate.

“I don’t think I should have to comment. I wish you a happy Christmas.”