The Nationalist Party’s College of Councillors noted that “an anti-democratic motion” put forward by Gzira mayor Anthony Abela has been declared “illegal and as a consequence null”.

In a statement signed by president Malcolm Mifsud, the college said that earlier this week Mr Abela, elected on behalf of the Malta Labour Party, had put forward a motion for Ian Micallef to be removed from the Joint Committee that administers wardens and local tribunals.

This “anti-democratic act” has been condemned by the Local Councils Department which declared that the way the motion was presented was against the law and therefore should be declared null and without effect.

As a consequence, the motion does not bind Gzira local council and Dr Micallef should continue to

occupy the position he held.

As had happened when Nationalist councillor Paula Mifsud Bonnici was removed from the joint committee, Dr Micallef was removed a few days before the committee was due to discuss and decide on a tender for the selection of a contractor to provide local

warden services.

Why, the college asked, is the Labour Party removing Nationalist councillors at delicate moments? The MLP should answer questions as to whether it had the

interests of localities at heart over and above other motives, the college said.