Clayton Bartolo has announced that he will not be contesting the next general election.In a Facebook post on Sunday evening, Bartolo said he had received credible information that during the upcoming electoral campaign, “a vile and despicable attack” would be directed at him, his wife and his family. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)He said the aim of such attacks would be to undermine the Labour Party’s achievements in government and shift attention away from electoral proposals.Following discussions with his family, Bartolo said he took the decision to step back, adding that he would not allow himself to be used to harm the party. He also confirmed that he informed Prime Minister Robert Abela of his decision.Bartolo defended his track record, particularly his work in the tourism sector, saying the foundations built in recent years remain strong.Bartolo had resigned from his ministerial role last year and was removed from the Labour parliamentary group following controversy over financial transactions linked to a Malta Tourism Authority contractor.•