The Nationalist Party Executive, administrative council and parliamentary group this evening unanimously agreed to propose a change to the PN’s statute so that the party would have two deputy leaders instead of just one.

The proposal was put forward by new leader Simon Busuttil who said that he wants the party leadership to be decentralised.

Dr Busuttil emphasised that such an important decision shows that from the first day of being at the helm of the party, he has shown this is to be led by a team.

“It is important to have as many people as possible involved and no one will be excluded from running in the deputy leadership contest,” he said.

In reply to questions from journalists, he noted that there have not been any discussions on the role of CEO so far but the party will be considering such a possibility.

Dr Busuttil today had several meetings at the PN headquarters with the main ones being with the administrative council, the parliamentary group and the executive council.

A general council will be held on Sunday to approve the changes to the statute that are needed.

Nominations for the post of deputy leader, which were due to start on Saturday, will now be postponed to Monday and Tuesday, when the party's electoral commission will receive nominations for the two posts, one for deputy leader for party affairs and one for deputy leader for parliamentary affairs.

The election - now for two posts, not one - will still be held on 25 May as originally scheduled, with second and third rounds earmarked for 29 May and 1 June if necessary.

Beppe Fenech Adami and Claudette Buttigieg had announced their intention to contest for deputy leader before the changes were announced, but the decision taken today opens up a new scenario and new possibilities for the party.

The election of two deputy leaders would take the PN on a similar set-up as the Labour Party, which has had this system for more than 20 years.

The PN is also expected to follow in the footsteps of the Labour Party by appointing a Chief Executive Office to manage the party's commercial entities.

The position of secretary general of the party - which the Labour Party had abolished - is expected to be retained.

In a statement, the parliamentary group welcomed Simon Busuttil as its new leader and thanked the other three contenders for the leadership post. It expressed its full confidence and said it will work to be of service to the whole country.

In a second resolution, it thanked former leader Lawrence Gonzi for his services, dedication and commitment for the country.