Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne today announced that he will be contesting for the soon to be vacant post of Labour Party leader, the deputy Prime Minister announced on Facebook..

Fearne has long been touted as one of the front-runners for the post that Prime Minister Joseph Muscat will be vacating in just over a month’s time, and with nominations for the leadership position of the party opening next Monday it is now clear that Fearne intends to stand for the role.

Minutes after announcing his candidacy, Fearne obtained the support of Transport Minister Ian Borg, who was being seen as a potential competitor for the post. Justice Minister Owen Bonnici also expressed his backing to the Health Minister.

Earlier in the day, Borg had posted a message in which he did not commit himself on his position in the race.

This contrasts sharply with a post on Facebook by another potential candidate, Robert Abela, who launched a scathing attack on what he described as a “devilish” pact which would sell out the country,

In his post announcing the candidacy, Fearne said this is a historic moment for the country and party. "We are at a crossroads and the choices we make in the cominng days will have an effect on the future"," he said.

He said that he had heard the call and after discussing the situation with his family and a large number of people, he said he will throw in his hat in the race for the new leader.

"I am Maltese, I am a Labourite," he said.

Fearne added that he will see that the while truth will emerge and that justice is carried out.

He said he will see that the country's institutions are lead with integrity, independence and remain separate from each other.

He said he will carry the weight of the responsibility and will see that others will also shoulder theirs.

He said he will see that every stain will be removed from Malta's name, and that all of Europe and the world will know the true Malta, that of people who are hardworking, honest, creative and ready to compete with anyone.

The historic electoral mandate guiven in the last election will be fulfilled with more determination, and that unity in the party remains to continue winning elections.

He said he is ready to work with anyone with integrity and good will.

Malta will come first and foremost once again, he said, and for this he said he needed support.

The road is long and hard, Fearne said, adding that he is ready to give up his life for the country.