PN MP Therese Comodini Cachia has said that she will not be contesting the leadership race.

Sources within the PN said that the anti-Delia Group had met on Monday with four of the potential candidates - PN MEP Roberta Metsola, PN MP Therese Comodini Cachia, PN Executive Committee member Mark Anthony Sammut and lawyer Bernard Grech, where it was decided that the four potential candidates would meet and decide between them who will be the unifying contender. Sources then said that Grech is going to be the chosen contender.

In a Facebook post, Comodini Cachia said that the process they started to achieve change within the PN is still ongoing, and said she was at the forefront of this process as she believes the Malta deserves a serious, credible and united PN.

She said that as she was a catalyst for the PN to have the opportunity to turn over a new page, to again begin inspiring and acquiring people's respect, she will remain committed to continue doing her work so that the PN can truly become an alternative government.

"To do this, a change in the leadership and in the way the PN conducts its politics is needed."

She said that she spoke with many people over the past days, including tesserati (paid up members) as well as the electorate. She said she spoke with many people who want to put their trust in the PN and also with every person who was ready to participate in the leadership election, "and I found in these people a talented team that shows that the PN still has a lot to offer to Malta."

"Together, we spoke about how we can create the road ahead to reach our aim. The election process must be faces with our feet on the fround, with humility and courage. Many are of the opinion that the best way is to face the election by uniting behind one person who will have our support. I stuck out my neck for the PN and the country, and because I took difficult decisions, and showed my character and principles, I will continue being loyal to those principles that led me to politics."

She said that the first step is for the PN to have a new leader who can start the road to heal the divisions within the part. "Hard decisions like mine bring with them strong reactions that do not always unite the party immediately. That is why while I am convinced that the PN needs everyone's talents so that this opportunity be one that truly serves the interest of the country and party, I am not going to contest the party leadership."

She said that she will remain committed to the party to ensure that the PN will be one united and credible team. "I am taking this decision as every action I have taken I did so in the interest of the country and the party."

Earlier today, PN MEP Roberta Metsola also announced that she will not contest.