Health and Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi has submitted his nomination for PL Deputy Leader for Party Affairs. Mr Mizzi made the announcement on Twitter.
The post will be vacated after incumbent Toni Abela was nominated by the government to serve as a member of the European Court of Auditors.
Sections of the media said Mr Mizzi was expected to be the sole contender for the post. Edward Zammit Lewis, thought ti be another contender, effectively ruled himself out of the race by endorsing Dr Mizzi's nomination.
The Labour Party extraordinary general conference yesterday approved a proposal by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat for s change in the party statute, allowing the post to be taken up by an MP. 393 delegates voted in favour with only one voting against.
In a statement the PL said Konrad Mizzi’s nomination was proposed by Ġuża Cassar and was seconded by Justice Minister Owen Bonnici.
It said nominations would be received until Tuesday while the election would be held on 25 February.