Charles Mangion is to stay on as leader of the opposition until new Labour leader Joseph Muscat takes his seat in Parliament.

Dr Muscat himself announced the decision this morning, saying it had been proposed by Anglu Farrugia, the new MLP leader for Parliamentary Affairs.

The new Labour leader is expected to be co-opted to Parliament after the summer recess. Another MP will first have to give up his seat and Dr Muscat himself has to resign from the European Parliament.

Charles Mangion was sworn in as leader of the opposition on June 5. (picture)

Dr Muscat said when speaking at the Rabat Labour Party Club that the MLP had made important strides forward over the past week at the start of a new political season.

He praised Dr Farrugia for his idea, saying Dr Farrugia had a right to expect to serve at leader of the opposition. This was a gesture to thank Dr Mangion, Dr Muscat said, adding that the MLP was open to everyone.

Dr Muscat said that new hope was born in the MLP over the past week . The party, he said, would hear everyone and work with everyone. He did not want the MLP to win the general election because people were fed up of the PN, but because it would be seen as the best party to lead the country forward.