Bernard Grech has no intention of re-contesting the PN leadership.

“Grech will not re-contest the leadership. He submitted his resignation and a return isn’t on the table,” a person close to the outgoing leader said.

Six days have passed since Grech announced his resignation, yet no one has declared their intention to run.

Roberta Metsola, who was seen by many as a frontrunner, ruled it out last weekend, stating she has a responsibility towards her role as European Parliament President.

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg suggested yesterday that Grech could remain in charge.

“I haven’t yet heard Bernard Grech say that he won’t contest,” he said. “There were previous PN leaders who resigned with one hand, and then retracted it with the other.”

However, Grech has now ruled it out, paving the way for a new leader to guide the party through the next general election.