Chris Said, who recently narrowly lost the Nationalist Party leadership race, has opted out of the deputy leadership race in a decision which threatens to destabilise the party further.

When Dr Said accepted Adrian Delia's invitation to become his deputy in a bid to heal internal rifts, he had made it a condition that he would be uncontested. But PN whip David Agius this afternoon submitted his nomination to contest the deputy leadership for parliamentary affairs, with MP Edwin Vassallo having put his name in the hat earlier. Mr Vassallo had said that he would withdraw should Dr Said enter the race.

In a statement, shortly before the closure of nominations, Dr Said stressed that during the last month he spoke "a couple of times" with PN leader Adrian Delia and told him he was ready to serve in whatever capacity he thinks best he can contribute.

I can serve the party in more ways than being a deputy leader

"I told him that I was not ready to go through a third electoral campaign in less than four months... I can serve the party in more ways than being a deputy leader," he said, thanking the 48 per cent of party members that voted for him during the leadership election.

"I will make sure that their voice is heard within the various party structures. I wish the best of luck to the candidates contesting the role of deputy leader."

The contest, which will take place on November 18, has already generated factions within the party.

Read: PN's David Agius submits nomination to contest party deputy leadership post

Mr Agius announced his intention to run for the office in July and was still going ahead at full steam with his campaign, inviting members through Facebook to endorse his nomination.

David Agius.

At a press conference this afternoon, he noted that he had announced his intention to run for the post on July 30, regardless of the outcome of the leadership race which was won by Adrian Delia.

“The only winner at the end of the process must be the party. My experience as whip is an asset to serve as deputy leader for parliamentary affairs,” he said.

Asked about pressure to make way for Chris Said, he said that he weighed his decision.

Toni Bezzina.

"Everybody has his place in the party. Unity has to be achieved not by a single person but collectively.” He added that his candidature had Dr Delia’s support.

“Dr Delia had already been aware of my intentions, and so told me to go ahead.”

Mr Agius noted that prior to submitting his nomination he had a “frank” discussion with Dr Said who “understood” the situation.

The two candidates for the post of deputy leader for party affairs is MP Robert Arrigo, and MP Toni Bezzina who submitted his nomination just two minutes before the deadline.

Clyde Puli said this afternoon via Facebook that he would not be contesting for the deputy leadership post, indicating that he did not wish to split the party.

Nominations for the posts close today at 6pm.