Deputy prime minister Chris Fearne this afternoon did not attend the Labour Party event during which Robert Abela gave his first address as the newly-election leader.

Fearne was the only other contender for the post, but lost to Abela as 58% of Labour Party members gave their preference to the Qormi lawyer.

Abela was greeted by other members of the Cabinet of Ministers and PL MPs and MEPs as he walked on stage, briefly stopping to hug them all, including those who openly supported Fearne in the race.

But, as the cameras focused on each and every top PL official, Fearne’s absence from the event was quickly became apparent.

Fearne this morning thanked those who voted for him and pledged to support the party, but did not mention Abela.