Economy Minister Chris Cardona is the first to throw his hat in for the deputy leadership post of the Labour Party.

In a post on Facebook, his former communications coordinator and now consultant Jonathan Attard said that Dr Cardona would be ideal for the job after defending all those who had been unjustly attacked by political adversaries and was the protagonist for the country to reach unprecedented records in investment and employment.

This declaration follows the words: “Chris Cardona for PL deputy leader”, in what is an apparent declaration of Dr Cardona’s intentions.

The minister later confirmed his intentions to contest.

The resignation of Konrad Mizzi from the post has opened the way for a long race for the position. Dr Mizzi was the apparent preference of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, and nobody dared contest that decision, leaving the minister without portfolio in a one-man race held in February.

But now all the options are open, and several ministers and other officials are privately and publicly showing an interest. 

Dr Cardona is the first to make his intentions clear via his communications man, but others will soon follow suit.