Updated | Louis Grech confirmed Labour deputy leader, pledges 'change' in values | WATCH

In his first address as the newly-elected Labour Party deputy leader for parliamentary affairs, Louis Grech said that he would strive to be a catalyst for "much needed change in Maltese society."

"I believe I can contribute towards what is most necessary in Malta. This, I feel is the concept of change. I am not talking simply about change in government, but also change in other areas."

"It is unacceptable that every time an election is held in Malta, it amounts to a trauma for half the country. It is not acceptable that half of the country's population must feel threatened by the prospect of a lost election."

He also said that Maltese values require "an upgrade", insisting that it was "high time that Maltese society absorbed the notions of meritocracy, impartiality, transparency, and accountability."

"It should not longer be considered impossible to achieve this, but it  should be understood as fundamental to the prosperity of the country," Grech said, also insisting that Maltese values require more temperance through tolerance and less prejudice.

Grech also spoke of the importance between working towards economic goals without losing sight of the more human approach a government should have.

"We are passing through a crisis, and we need to achieve a balance between a competitive economy, while at the same time being certain that we are safeguarding social and environmental rights.

"While we should not hold back from investing in research and technology, we need to ensure that we do not forget those who are lagging behind. If the people decide to trust us in Government, we will carry out reforms in all those entities which would bring more value added to people's lives."

Grech also personally pledged that if elected to government, "I will personally safeguard the notion that what we promise, we will deliver."

"We need to have the courage that if we have any problems in government, we can face the electorate honestly and admit our failures," he added. "We want an honest relationship with the country."

Grech was elected to the post of  depuyt leader with 724 votes in favour out of a total of 749 votes cast, representing 96.7%. Only 16 votes were against Grech's nomination, while 3 delegates abstained, and six votes were considered invalid.

A total of 789 delegates could vote, meaning that there was a 95% turnout among delegates. 

In his own address, Labour Leader Joseph Muscat said the voting outcome represents "a very clear sign from the grass roots of the party," Muscat said, adding that it amounts to an overwhelming support for Grech as the party's new deputy leader.

He said that Grech's appointment represents "a huge value added" not only to the PL, but also to the country. "The country today gained the services of a person that, if given the trust to lead, will be a formidable deputy leader."

"Together - him, myself, and (deputy leader for party affairs) Toni Abela, and the rest of the party MPs, party members, party supporters, and the movement we represent - we can achieve the change in the direction that will benefit the country," Muscat said.

Muscat said that Grech brings to the Labour Party "experience, and an intimate understanding of the business world," which he insisted is not the Labour Party's "antagonist" but an important aspect of society that is capable of job creation and economy growth.

"I know it was not easy for Louis to accept this invitation, so I thank him doubly for doing so," Muscat said.

Muscat also echoed Grech's appeal for wider national unity, and an end to partisan rivalry.

"The spirit that Grech brings with him is a spirit we share completely. We need to end the mentality that during an election, half the country feels it is about to be thrown to the wolves, while the other half is celebrating," Muscat said.

Fielding questions from the media, Muscat was asked to comment on how it had criticised the PN harshly when Prime Minister and PN Leader Lawrence Gonzi sought to reconfirm his leadership position through an election wherein he was the sole contestant.

Muscat insisted that Grech's election to the post of deputy leader, in which he was the sole contestant, was completely different, pointing out that while Gonzi was simply reconfirming his leadership, Grech was being elected to a recently-vacated position.

Muscat also rejected the idea that Grech was the PL leadership's "anointed one".

"I don't think that Louis Grech needs anointment from anyone," Muscat said, pointing to the strong support he received from the party delegates as "proof".

Asked whether he would be resigning from his role as MEP, and whether his role as deputy PL leader would be a short-term one, Grech was circumspect.

While he was categorical that he was not approaching the appointment as a short term one, he did not say whether or not he would resigning from his role as MEP.

Asked about Anglu Farrugia, and whether Farrugia was aware of Grech's nomination, Muscat insisted that while Farrugia was not aware of Grech's nomination, in no way was Farrugia excluded or cast out of the party. "He is still 100% relevant to the party."

In his own reaction, Grech said that he hopes to be " a good politician, but a good person above all", adding that he had "no knowledge of what was happening at the time."

"I have not spoken to Anglu yet. I had no problem doing it. It has not been propitious to speak to him so far. I will do everything possible to speak to him," Grech said.

Asked about which districts he planned to contest in, Grech said that he had not decided yet, amid much general laughter which the question evoked.

Grech was in the Labour general conference called in the wake of Anglu Farrugia's resignation.

Farrugia was asked to resign by Muscat over comments he expressed during a political rally in which he suggested the acquittal of a man accused of corrupt practices in the 2008 election, could have been down to the political bias of Magistrate Audrey Demicoli.

Critics accused Muscat of having asked Farrugia to resign after the former deputy leader's flop on Xarabank two weeks ago, in a debate with Nationalist deputy leader Simon Busuttil.

Farrugia had been elected deputy leader in 2008, shortly after Muscat was elected leader of the Labour Party.