Health Minister Chris Fearne has just been elected PL Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs. He received 51 per cent of the vote (367 votes), while Finance Minister Edward Scicluna received 49 per cent (348 votes)
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat commended defeated Minister Scicluna for his performance, while also congratulating newly elected Fearne for winning the race.
In a short statement to the press, Minsiter Fearne said:
“I would like to thank my colleagues Helena Dalli and Edward Scicluna. It was an intense campaign... but it was fair and we worked with a sense of friendship. It was a campaign that showed how strong the democratic process is within the Labour Party. There was high participation on behalf of the delegates. Before this election we said that we would need to keep up the momentup, and we will continue to act on this for the entire legislature."
“I would like to thank all delegates for their faith in me, and as I promised I would like to address any pending issues and get even closer to the delegates. I would also like to thank Prime Minister Muscat for encouraging me to contest.
“I am convinced that together, we have a bright future ahead of us.”
Minister Scicluna said:
“The results are out and as you know Minister Fearne won the election. I do not think the other candidates lost out. It was close yesterday, and was closer today. Somebody needs to win, and Fearne deserves it."
“It was worth it. It’s not easy and it felt as though there were more commitments than in the general election, which is something I spoke about with my colleagues. I think it was worth it because you really understand what it means to be a delegate, how they love the party and you learn about all the ideas the delegates are filled with. There was no division between the three candidates and that is why I am so calm about the result.”
The PL’s 756 delegates were tasked with voting for the second consecutive day after yesterday’s vote did not manage to produce a winner.
Yesterday, Equality Minister Helena Dalli was eliminated, having received the least number of votes. This left Health Minister Chris Fearne and Finance Minister Edward Scicluna to compete in a run-off election today.
A candidate needed to receive at least 50 per cent plus one of the votes in order to win the election. The winner is replacing former Labour MP Louis Grech, and will eventually be appointed deputy prime minister.
Yesterday, delegates also casted a vote of confirmation for Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Deputy leader for party affairs Chris Cardona, in accordance with the party’s statute.
All three candidates campaigned heavily for the Deputy Leadership position, appearing on many PL media spots with messages directed towards the party delegates, who are eligible to vote.
During a debate last Sunday, Minister Fearne was the only leader to skirt the question of whether he is eyeing the top position of PL Leader after Muscat steps down from his role.
In the first interview following Labour's electoral win, Muscat announced that he would not be contesting the next general election and that it would be his last legislature as party leader and Prime Minister.
Photos and video by Michael Camilleri