Andy Ellul takes over housing portfolio from Roderick Galdes

Updated 1.38pm with Ellul's initial comments and statement by the Office of the Prime Minister.

Andy Ellul has been handed the housing portfolio, succeeding Roderick Galdes who resigned late on Saturday.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Robert Abela on Sunday.  

Ellul is parliamentary secretary for social dialogue within the Office of the Prime Minister. He will retain his responsibilities for that sector. 

Galdes had been mired in a storm of controversy since late November, when Marlene Mizzi, the former chair of Malita Investments, accused him of meddling in the publicly listed company and “hobnobbing” with contractors that the company had engaged on social housing projects.

He resigned hours before The Sunday Times of Malta revealed how his brother had business links with a contractor awarded social housing projects. 

In his remarks at a Labour Party activity, Abela briefly addressed Galdes's resignation.

"He will now be better able to defend his reputation against allegations that so far appear to be unfounded," he said.

Andy Ellul, a 51-year-old lawyer, was co-opted to parliament for the first time in January 2022.

He became parliamentary secretary after being elected in the general election later that year, and also served as whip of the Labour parliamentary group between 2022 and 2024. 

In comments to Times of Malta, Ellul said he was honoured to have been entrusted with the additional responsibilities.

He said he would continue to serve with humility and loyalty in the interests of all the people. He thanked the prime minister for his confidence. 

The Office of the Prime Minister said the new appointment aims to consolidate the government's work for a work-life balance, along with government policies on social and affordable housing.