Gudja councillor Stefan Caruana has announced he has dropped out of the race to become the PN’s new secretary-general.

“The next general election is an important one for the country, and the PN must be in a position to offer itself up as an alternative government,” Caruana said.

“Although this was not an easy decision, I have thought long and hard about it for a long time and have prepared a plan for this purpose.”

“I have just informed Bernard Grech that, in light of recent developments, I will not be contesting the secretary general election.”

“However, I promised him that I will do my utmost to help the PN win the next general election.”

Barring any twists, Caruana’s decision clears the pathway for Fgura councillor Charles Bonello, the private assistant of former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, to succeed Michael Piccinino as PN secretary general.