Mario Fava, the President of the Local Councils Association and Swieqi local councillor, has switched from Swieqi to Fgura, in an unprecedented move which sees the first ever transfer between local councils.

Mr Fava, who is a Swieqi resident, at first was quick to make clear that what had done was in accordance with the law, and explained that he made the choice to switch local councils after deciding that he would not contest the next election in the locality and would be running in Fgura in 2019.

He also revealed that he was co-opted into the role by the government, after a casual election in the area yielded no candidates. 

Speaking to The Malta Independent, Swieqi Mayor Noel Muscat was dismayed by the situation and jokingly remarked that "If we're going to be changing members like football teams, I might as well ask for a transfer fee."

"I would always understand if someone was resigning for personal reasons, but to switch from one local council to another, it's unheard of," he continued.

Mr Muscat revealed that following Mr Fava's resignation from the council, a co-option was suggested to him by the government, but the council was later informed that it had to be done through a casual election.

So far no candidatures were received.

Mr Fava, a Swieqi resident, was able to find a place on the Fgura local council after the mayor, Byron Camilleri,  was elected into parliament in the last general election.

Mr Camilleri now serves as the Labour Party's parliamentary whip.

Asked whether or not he made the switch to Fgura with a view to also run a successful campaign and make into parliament, as the area forms part of the fourth district and is considered as a Labour Party stronghold as it elected four PL MPs in the general election, Mr Fava was insistent that this was not the case and he insistent that he would not be contesting in 2022.