Updated 4.51pm with comments by Dr Buttigieg - Anthony Buttigieg, who recently stepped down as the deputy leader of the Partit Demokratiku, has announced his intention to contest the leadership position.

The news was revealed by PD, saying that it had received an official resignation letter, submitted to outgoing PD leader Marlene Farrugia, which formalises his stepping down.

The party said it welcomed the doctor's decision to try for the top post.

“Partit Demokratiku welcomes broader participation by the general public in the continued evolution and growth of this new party,” it said.

In a comment to Times of Malta Dr Buttigieg said: "My intention will be to build PD as a separate party from PN. The two MPs voted in parliament on the PN/PD ticket should honour that agreement. The electorate voted them in with that in mind.

"However PD should also begin to build a proper party structure to contest on its own in the forthcoming EP and local council elections. Coalition talks, if any, with either PN/PL will have to wait."

Ms Farrugia announced last week that she would step down following the party's annual conference. Her partner Godfrey has so far not made his intentions clear, but has not closed the door to a potential bid.

Read: Godfrey Farrugia does not exclude running for PD leader

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