PL MP Robert Abela has announced that he will be contesting the Labour Party leadership election.

He is the second person to announce his nomination, after Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne.

Writing on Facebook, Abela said he was answering the call with humility, and with the backing of his family.

"Together, we will keep the flame that makes us proud of our country and of the Labour Party alive," he said.

On Friday, Abela launched a scathing attack on what he described as a "devilish" pact which would sell out the country, the Labour Party and its genuine supporters.

The post came after negotiations for an agreement to avoid a leadership election within the party fell through.

It was reported that the pact, which had the blessing of outgoing leader Joseph Muscat, would have seen Fearne take over as party leader and Prime Minister and Abela and Transport Minister Ian Borg being appointed as his deputies.