PN Deputy Leader Robert Arrigo has told The Malta Independent that he will be staying on as deputy leader and will be loyal to the PN and its leader, “always”.

On Saturday evening, the PN leadership race came to an end with lawyer Bernard Grech being elected as the ninth leader of the Nationalist Party, obtaining 69.3% of the votes cast.

The election brings to a close a leadership saga which has dragged on since July, when the party’s parliamentary group voted against Adrian Delia, and which has divided the already embattled PN.

However, there were still some who kept supporting him till the end, including Deputy Leader Robert Arrigo who was at the point of resignation at the start of the year due to the injustices that were being shown towards Delia.

In light of this, The Malta Independent asked Arrigo if he will be keeping his spot as Deputy Leader of the PN and he will be loyal to Grech despite supporting Delia.

“I will be staying on as deputy leader. I have met Bernard Grech and my loyalty is consistent. Loyal to the PN and its leader. Always. This is the fifth leader in my career, and respect and loyalty is paramount,” he replied.

Asked if he thinks Grech will bring unity to the party, Arrigo expressed that he is sure the new leader will do his utmost to achieve this.

This newsroom also attempted to contact Deputy Leader David Agius, who has also supported Delia throughout the past months, but received no reply by the time of publishing.