Updated 6.04pm 

Frank Portelli, a former Nationalist Party MP and former president of the PN executive, has submitted his nomination to contest the leadership of the Nationalist Party. 

Dr Portelli, the chief executive of St Philip’s Hospital in Santa Venera, submitted his nomination at 5.30pm, half an hour before submission deadline. 

Times of Malta had revealed earlier today that the former MP,  who served during the 1987-1992 legislature and then as party president between 1985 and 1992, was collecting signatures to submit his nomination. Sources had said PN supporters were gathering the 10 signatures needed for Dr Portelli to enter the race.

In March 2009, Dr Portelli contested the European Parliament elections on behalf of the Nationalist Party.

Dr Portelli will contend the PN's top post with three other candidates - Chris Said, Adrian Delia and Alex Perici Calascione.

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