Tourism minister Konrad Mizzi has rubbished reports that he met with MEP Miriam Dalli and health minister Chris Fearne to discuss his intentions over the forthcoming Labour Party leadership race.

“It’s a bunch of baloney,” Dr Mizzi told Times of Malta, insisting he had not held any meetings or discussed the leadership with Dr Dalli or Mr Fearne, both considered frontrunners in the race which would be triggered by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s planned departure ahead of the next general election.

Illum reported on Sunday that the meeting between the three potential candidates had taken place on Saturday and concerned Dr Mizzi's rumoured intention to contest the top job. 

Dr Mizzi, who has faced sustained pressure ever since his involvement in the Panama Papers scandal in 2016, also denied having discussed his potential candidature with the Prime Minister or having been instructed by Dr Muscat not to run.

The Sunday Times of Malta reported that Dr Mizzi had contacted cabinet ministers and PL delegates seeking their support for a leadership bid, and had had what one source described as an “argument” with the Prime Minister about his plans.

Dr Mizzi on Sunday again deflected questions about his leadership ambitions by insisting he remained fully behind Dr Muscat and would be working to convince him to stay on as Prime Minister.

Dr Muscat has repeatedly stated he would step down before the next general election, and reinforced this pledge on Saturday when he said he would welcome the introduction of a two-term maximum tenure for Prime Ministers.