Robert Abela on Wednesday evening officially launched his campaign to become leader of the Labour Party – but, bizarrely, did not invite the media.

The launch was shown on his Facebbok page, and Abela is seen addressing a small crowd of supporters.

The Malta Independent and all other newsrooms did not receive an invitation to attend the launch.

Robert Abela’s behaviour with the media since he announced his bid for the leadership has been erratic.

He has not accepted to take interviews from independent media houses, including The Malta Independent, possibly fearful of questions he would have been asked.

But to launch a campaign without media present takes his aversion to the media to a new level.

On Thursday morning, a member of Abela's campaign informed this newsroom that Abela will hold a press conference at 12.30 during which he will explain his proposals and take questions.