Updated 4.25pm

The Culture Ministry on Monday amended the answer to a parliamentary question after its original response sparked demands for an investigation into junior minister Andy Ellul.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici had initially told parliament that LEX Group Ltd - Legal Entity was given an €800 monthly retainer as legal counsel to Fondazzjoni Ċentru Kreattivita.   

Independent candidate Arnold Cassola promptly noted that LEX Group Ltd is owned by Labour whip and parliamentary secretary Andy Ellul, and demanded an investigation into the MP. 

But on Monday evening, following Cassola's demands for a probe, the answer to the PQ was amended to say that a different company with a similar name, LEX Group Legal, was the one providing its services to the foundation. 

In his letter to the Standards Commissioner earlier on Monday, Cassola said that Ellul broke the ministerial code of ethics, which forbids members of cabinet from holding private jobs. The letter was shared with members of the media.  

On Facebook, Ellul denied Cassola's claims, saying they were "without basis". 

"He rushed. His report is without basis," Ellul said. "I will show how it would be better if Cassola checks things properly before jumping at the opportunity to attack a member of the government". 

Hours later, Bonnici amended his answer to the parliamentary question. 

Ellul, a lawyer by profession, is listed as working for Lex Group Legal on a directory maintained by the Chamber of Advocates. A post by the company dated January 2021 described him as the company's managing partner. 

Ellul was coopted to parliament in January 2022. He told Times of Malta that he stopped working as a lawyer when he assumed the role of Parliamentary Secretary [in March 2022].

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, Cassola questioned whether Bonnici had misled parliament.  

"What games are we playing here? Why was this changed after I pointed it out? Did the minister mislead with his answer?" Cassola asked.