New Labour leader Joseph Muscat said tonight the Labour Party had started a new page in its history and he was embarking on an "earthquake of change" to ensure that the party was welcoming for those who had left, and those who were never part of the party.

Speaking minutes after his overwhelming victory in a run-off election, Dr Muscat after thanking the delegates and the other election candidates said a new political season was opening as from today.

"We are turning a new page in our history, we have to see what we have achieved and start a new page of a Labour Party which is open for everyone.

"I invite all those who in the past did not feel comfortable to come back to their Labour home. I would also like to tell all those who never were part of the MLP that we will show you a progressive party which will exceed your expectations in the environmental, economic and social sectors so that Malta can be the best in Europe."

Those who never felt part in the MLP, I will tell you we will show you a party which is is progressive and will exceed environment, economic and social expectations of the people to get it the best in the European Union.

Dr Muscat said that together with the other leadership contenders he would work on plans for an earthquake of internal change. This, he said, would be an exciting period and all those who wished to contribute should come forward.

"We should forget the past and concentrate on a future which unites us in building a new future" Dr Muscat said.