Chris Fearne has confirmed that he won’t re-contest his position as PL Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs in September.

Fearne issued a statement after magistrate Leonard Caruana ruled today that there was enough evidence for him, Central Bank Governor Edward Scicluna, and 12 others to face trial in connection with the Vitals-Steward inquiry.

While he maintained his innocence and pledged to mount a strong legal battle, Fearne said that he won’t re-contest the PL deputy leadership for the sake of the “national interest”.

“This is the same principle that made me resign as Deputy Prime Minister and minister and to retract my nomination for the post of European Commissioner,” he said.

His decision means the Labour Party will need to elect two new deputy leaders in September, with fellow deputy leader Daniel Micallef also announcing his intention to step down.

Whoever succeeds Fearne as deputy leader for parliamentary affairs will also automatically succeed him as Deputy Prime Minister.

His indictment also means that the government will need to search for a new nominee for the role of European Commissioner.