MLP considering early general conference

The Labour Party is considering the possibility of holding its next general conference, at which the party's administration will be confirmed or changed, not later than November 20.

The administration's term of office expires in January.

In a statement last night, the party's national executive said a motion calling for the general conference to be held in June was still under discussion.

However, it said that in the light of current circumstances, particularly in view of "certain important deadlines, including some of a statutory nature", the motion's proposers had agreed to refer the matter back to the delegates who signed it in order to consider the possibility of holding the conference by not later than November 20. Sources said the motion was moved by Myriam Spiteri Debono and Ronnie Pellegrini, who had actually suggested to the national executive that the proposed date for the conference be reconsidered.

The sources also said that holding the conference in June would have given rise to certain procedural problems, and holding it in November would still allow time for the party to prepare for local council and European Parliament elections.

The Sunday Times recently reported that Notary Spiteri Debono, a former speaker, was collecting signatures for a petition calling for the party's administration to be changed before January.