'I was sidelined': PL women's secretary quit over party strategy, planning bills

Jennifer Tabone said she resigned as executive secretary of the Labour Party’s women's section because she was sidelined for condemning personal attacks, and that she could no longer “in good conscience” support a party strategy that betrays her principles.

On Thursday, Times of Malta reported that Tabone, who has held the role for the past five years, had submitted her resignation.

In a strongly-worded statement on Friday, Tabone said remaining involved “would mean compromising my principles”.

“I resigned because I can no longer, in good conscience, support a strategy that I fundamentally disagree with,” she said.

Tabone, who was recently described as having a "poisonous tongue" by blogger and OPM official Neville Gafa, said she has “always opposed personal attacks in politics”.

“I consistently voiced my concerns and upheld these values, whether such attacks were directed at colleagues or individuals from other political backgrounds,” she said.

“Unfortunately, for standing by these convictions, I was sidelined, and my role within the party was gradually reduced to almost nothing,” Tabone added.

Tabone said she “cannot support the party’s decision to allow certain individuals to dictate the party’s agenda”.

She said her concerns over the government’s controversial planning bills also played a part in her decision to step down.

“I fundamentally disagree with the proposed Planning Reform in its current form,” Tabone said.

“I urge the government to reconsider its approach and to truly listen to the voices of the people.”

A second national protest against the proposed planning reforms in Valletta on Budget Day.

Striking a sorrowful tone, Tabone said her decision to step down “was not taken lightly,” having only remained in the party over the past months “because I still see and find those who like me seek a better way of doing politics, believe in honest and principled politics, and are still fighting the good fight”.

“They remain my hope for the future of the party and have my full support,” she said.

Tabone said her only communication with the party’s administration was with party president Alex Sciberras (“who showed a genuine interest in what I had to say”) and deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, who expressed disappointment over her decision, while adding that “we had all the right to voice our opinion”.

“In addition, several members of parliament and party officials contacted me to express their concern and support,” Tabone added.