Labour MEP Miriam Dalli has officially ruled herself out of the upcoming race to become the next Prime Minister and PL leader.

“After due consideration, I have decided not to contest for the leadership role of the Labour Party,” Dalli said. “I would like to thank all those who have shown their support and encouraged me to go for this role. I will continue working hard in the European Parliament to reciprocate the trust that the Maltese citizens have placed in me.”

Dalli has long been considered one of the favourites to succeed Muscat, along with deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne, Transport Minister Ian Borg and MPs Konrad Mizzi and Robert Abela.