Chris Cardona to contest PL deputy leader post: 'party needs to send strong signal of governance'

Economy Minister Chris Cardona is the first to declare his intention to run for the post of Labour Party deputy leader for party affairs.  The announcement comes a day after Konrad Mizzi resigned the post in the wake of the Panama Papers scandal. Dr Mizzi was merely elected to the post last February in a one-horse race. "People want a strong economy and good governance. I want to ensure Labour remains the strongest party," Dr Cardona told timesofmalta.com this afternoon. Dr Cardona, 42, who had placed second when he contested the Labour deputy leadership contest eight years ago, was first elected to parliament 20 years ago.  "There is never a dull moment in politics. We now need a person who can beef up the communication between the government and the party in preparation for the next election. And I believe I know both the party and government very well." The minister said he had proved himself in the "most successful" portfolio, but insisted he did not have any plans to stay long in politics.  "After the next election, I want to move on, but I want to make sure I leave a strong party." Asked to what extent the Panama scandal had harmed the party, Dr Cardona admitted the...