Mario de Marco, Zammit Dimech concede, back Simon Busuttil, will not seek deputy leadership

Mario de Marco and Francis Zammit Dimech have dropped out of the PN leadership race, effectively confirming Simon Busuttil as the next leader of the Nationalist Party. Dr Busuttil won the first round of the leadership election with 50.3 per cent of the vote. Dr de Marco was runner up with 38.5 per cent, with the remainder being shared by Francis Zammit Dimech and Raymond Bugeja at 6 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. Mr Bugeja was eliminated automatically. A second round of voting will still have to take place on Wednesday since a candidate needs a two-thirds majority to be appointed party leader. In a brief address, Dr de Marco said the contest was over and this was a moment of unity. The result, he said, spoke for itself and had to be respected. He was always taught to respect the will of the majority, he said to applause. This, he said was the time for change and renewal within the party so that it could regain the trust of the people. He paid tribute to Dr Gonzi, describing him as a true gentleman. Dr de Marco thanked the councillors and said the four weeks of the electoral campaign had been a time where he learnt a lot from the councillors - who were a reflection of...