The Labour Party will hold its first mass public activity since its defeat at the polls on March 9, when it celebrates Labour Day on May 1, during which candidates for leadership posts will be on the stage "as a team".

Deputy Leader for Party Affairs Michael Falzon said that, following the electoral defeat and in the midst of a campaign for the party's new leadership team, the party is "looking to the future" because "it is still a strong political party".

Dr Falzon said May 1 is important for the Labour Party: Workers are the main reason for the party's existence. On May 1, the party will be taking the opportunity to thank all those who supported it at the election.

"By obtaining 48.8 per cent of the valid votes, the MLP has shown that it is a strong party. The present government did not win an absolute majority. We are looking ahead. The MLP is a dynamic party," he said.

Following a walk from St George's Square to Freedom Square, which will take the form of a demonstration, the crowd will this year be addressed by acting party leader Charles Mangion. All the candidates for the party's top three posts will be on stage, standing behind Dr Mangion "as a team", Dr Falzon said.

The MLP's public relations official, Ray Azzopardi, said the main stage will be set up in Freedom Square while there will be another stage in front of the Law Courts along Republic Street where the Big Band Brothers will perform. The demonstration will start at 6 p.m. There will also be a play area for children at Freedom Square.

After the press conference, Dr Falzon told The Times he had not yet received any feedback from the MLP Commission overseeing the June 5 leadership election after having written to it a few days ago to complain of "unfair treatment" he is receiving from the party's media.