Lydia Abela encouraged to run for PL deputy leader

Labour Party senior official Lydia Abela is being encouraged to run for the post of deputy leader for party affairs, MaltaToday can confirm.

Abela, 37, told MaltaToday that she has been approached by several delegates to contest the party election. She is however still undecided.

“I have been approached by several, encouraging me to submit my nomination. I am still undecided,” Abela said when contacted.

She went on to add that, irrespective of her decision, she will keep on working for the party whilst wishing the other contenders the best of luck.

Abela, a lawyer by profession, was first elected secretary of Labour’s executive committee in 2010. She is married to lawyer Robert Abela, son of president emeritus George Abela.

Nominations for the post of deputy leader will be submitted between tomorrow, 9 May, and Tuesday 10 May, with the election being held a month later. The first phase will take place between 9 and 10 June, with the possibility of a run-off one day later if nobody is elected in the first round.

Both Justice Minister Owen Bonnici and Economy Minister Chris Cardona have already launched their campaigns, having confirmed their interest.

Former PL president Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, currently the chairman of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation, has also confirmed with it-Torca that he will be submitting his nomination.

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis has ruled himself out of the race.