New PN MP Jerome Caruana Cilia has ruled out running for the post of deputy leader.

“Many people have approached me, particularly from the South, to run for the deputy leader role,” Caruana Cilia told Lovin Malta. “However, I always gave the same answer, which is that while I appreciate their support, I always take things step by step.”

“I spent 10 years in the Qormi local council and now my focus is on my role as MP and shadow finance minister. I want my parliamentary work and district work to improve.”

Nominations for the post of PN deputy leader opened last weekend but no one has put their name forward so far, although current deputy leader David Agius and MP Janice Chetcuti have left the door open to contesting.

Deputy leader Robert Arrigo and MPs Joe Giglio and Mark Anthony Sammut have both ruled out contesting the post.

Although the party currently has two deputy leaders, recent changes in its statute mean it will have a single deputy leader, who will be elected via the party’s councillors.

Opposition Leader Bernard Grech had said in 2020 that he would like a woman to become his deputy leader.