Labour’s parliamentary group this morning held a four-hour meeting that discussed the way foward for the party in the wake of developments related to the investigation into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The meeting, which started at 9am, finished just before 1pm as ministers, parliamentary secretaries and other MPs were seen filing out of the palace, which serves as the Prime Minister's official residence.

None of them stopped to speak to the media which had been waiting outside the main gate since the meeting started.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, a smile on his face as seen in the photograph, also left Girgenti Palace without addressing the media.

It is still unclear if a press conference will be called later in the day or whether the PM will be giving an official statement via the Department of Information on what has been officially decided.

The group was expected to discuss the way forward after developments in the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder investigation led to the arraignment of Yorgen Fenech on Saturday evening.

High on the agenda was the Prime Minister’s position as it is understood that the Labour Party has slated 18 January as the day when the election for the new leader will take place.

It is understood that the Parliamentary group was discussing the possibility of Muscat resigning immediately and appointing an interim leader and two new deputy leaders. 

Muscat had indicated he would step down as soon as investigations into the murder were completed. 

With 17 Black owner Yorgen Fenech arraigned last night and charged with complicity in the murder, the ball is now in the PM's court.

Video: Net News

 

Speaking to journalists on his way in, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici said: “I believe that in this country we have the rule of law and the institutions are working. Yesterday we saw someone accused of being the mastermind behind the murder. I look forward to keep working for the good of the country.”

He continued that both the parliamentary group and the PL executive had unanimously backed the Prime Minister in a vote of confidence. 

With Muscat under pressure and Chris Cardona, who is PL's deputy leader for party affairs, suspending himself after being summoned to the depot as part of police investigations, the Labour leadership is set for an overhaul with only Fearne left unscathed in the prevailing turmoil.