Labour MP Robert Abela has submitted his nomination for Labour leadership this evening.

Abela, who currently serves as legal adviser to Cabinet, follows Chris Fearne who submitted his nomination earlier.

Transport Minister Ian Borg was seen at Labour’s headquarters tonight sparking rumours that he will submit his nomination too but he just went to return his application.

When originally announcing his intention to contest, Abela said he did not want to be part of any “diabolical pact”.

Nominations close at 8pm tonight.

The Labour leadership contest will be decided by January 12th, following which the winner will take over the government as Prime Minister.

Abela is the son of former President George Abela who had lost his own leadership bid to outgoing Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.