Gemma Arias-Vasquez a step closer to becoming Gibraltar's first female Chief Minister

Gemma Arias-Vasquez is well on the way to becoming Gibraltar's first female Chief Minister.

She's expected to stand uncontested for the GSLP Leadership once Fabian Picardo decides to step down.

This has been confirmed in a joint statement with Nigel Feetham - who said he had decided not to put his name forward after "careful reflection", and would instead be supporting Mrs Arias-Vasquez.

At a press conference, Party Leader Fabian Picardo said he was lending his support to two of his party's "leading lights."

He said that if elected by the party membership, they would be able to focus on the things that the public and the party members wanted to see: Housing, high standards of public services and employment.  This he said was a lesson on how to do things in the interest of the people of Gibraltar.

And it was an emotional Fabian Picardo who spoke of his time of departure as party leader getting nearer and the likelihood of Gibraltar's first woman Chief Minister,coming from his party.

What we are now clearer as to what is most likely to happen is that by the end of the year- we will have a new Chief Minister, Joseph Garcia will remain Deputy Chief Minister and Nigel Feetham, will be in post as Vice Deputy Chief Minister.

But, 2027 will bring with it elections and all indications are that it's all to play for.  The political starting gun has gone off and all parties will want to be ready for the race.

GEMMA ARIAS-VASQUEZ

Gemma Arias-Vasquez says now that the Chief Minister has confirmed publicly on numerous occasions that he will not be seeking re-election as GSLP Leader, she is ready to say for the first time that she will be putting her name forward.

She says she is a product of Sir Joe Bossano's GSLP of the 1980s, and was the first in her family to go to university because of the scholarship scheme that government introduced.

Mrs Arias-Vasquez says her hard work over he past two and a half years has given her a clear picture of what's working, what needs to change, and where Gibraltar needs to go next.

She says Fabian Picardo has led Gibraltar through some of the most difficult and defining moments in modern history,  while leaving a progressive human rights legacy.

Gemma Arias-Vasquez says her priority will be making sure Gibraltarians are able to live in Gibraltar, with access to housing, health and education.

NIGEL FEETHAM

For his part, Nigel Feetham said he had taken the decision not to stand for the leadership in the best interests of the party and of Gibraltar.

He said he will support Gemma Arias-Vasquez's bid to seek election as GSLP leader - adding that if she wins and the GSLP-Liberals are re-elected, he will serve as Vice Deputy Chief Minister, with responsibility for the economy - "working alongside the Deputy Chief Minister and closely with the incoming Chief Minister to support the delivery of the Government's priorities".

"UNITY"

Mrs Arias-Vasquez said both she and Mr Feetham had chosen unity instead of letting the leadership question become a public spectacle.

She said with renewed energy and clear leadership, she believes they can earn the confidence of the people of Gibraltar once again.