‘I am fit and ready’

Labour’s leading MEP Louis Grech yesterday officially became the only candidate for the deputy leadership position left vacant in the wake of Anglu Farrugia’s surprise resignation. In a comment to The Sunday Times, the 65-year-old MEP, who has been known to turn down similar offers in the past, said it had been a difficult decision. “In the end, I think it was the convergence of MPs and party members’ encouragement that convinced me that perhaps this is the right moment,” he said. Mr Grech enjoys widespread backing, even among potential contenders like Chris Cardona, Owen Bonnici and Evarist Bartolo. But the election also comes in the wake of a bitter resignation by Dr Farrugia, who on Thursday was forced to step down after he said that a magistrate was politically motivated when she acquitted a man of corrupt practices. Mr Grech said he had not yet spoken to Dr Farrugia but intended to do so in the near future. “There should be a rapprochement. Bitterness is never good in any relationship and I think we should address this, listen and find ways to address it,” he said. If Mr Grech, as expected, garners the 50 per cent plus one vote that he needs from delegates in Thursday’s...