Edward Zammit Lewis will not contest general election
Labour MP calls it a day, saying he will focus on his legal profession while backing Robert Abela
Edward Zammit Lewis will not be contesting the general election, saying he intends to focus on his legal profession.
The lawyer’s decision signals the end of a nearly 30-year career within the Labour Party, including 13 as an MP and eight within cabinet.
In a statement to Times of Malta, Zammit Lewis said he remained committed to the Labour Party and offered the party his “unwavering loyalty.”
“I will always be there to support, contribute, and help Prime Minister Robert Abela win the upcoming election, as Malta truly deserves a Labour Government,” he said.
He thanked those who had supported and trusted him over the years and also offered an apology “if, in the course of my work, I may have fallen short in any way.”
His decision adds to a growing list of MPs on both sides of the aisle who have decided, for various reasons, to not seek reelection.
Zammit Lewis was first elected to parliament in 2013, having previously served as a Labour councillor in Attard as well as president of the Labour youth forum Forum Żgħażagħ Laburisti.
He was immediately made a parliamentary secretary by then-prime minister Joseph Muscat and one year later was appointed Tourism Minister, serving in that until 2017.
Zammit Lewis then served two years as a backbench MP before returning to cabinet in 2019 as Equality Minister and then as Justice Minister, overseeing rule of law reforms recommended by the Venice Commission.
He was not appointed to cabinet following Labour’s 2022 electoral victory, serving as a vocal and sometimes critical backbench MP.
“Politics is a challenging mission, both for those directly involved and for their families. It demands constant energy and commitment, but also brings great satisfaction, especially when helping people, participating in meaningful change, and contributing to important and unprecedented reforms for our country,” Zammit Lewis told Times of Malta.
“I have served in politics at every level, including during some of the most difficult periods of the Labour Party.
“Before 2013, I believe I was instrumental, together with many others under the leadership of Dr Joseph Muscat, in helping turn the tables in Maltese politics and making the Labour Party a credible and electable force.
“Since 2013, with the support and loyalty of the people of the 8th Electoral District, I have had the honour of serving as a Member of Parliament, as well as the privilege of serving as Parliamentary Secretary and later as Minister for almost nine years.”