All three Labour MPs elected in 2017 – from a total of 37 – have a seat on the Cabinet set up by new Prime Minister Robert Abela.

Justyne Caruana retains her seat as Gozo Minister, while Julian Farrugia Portelli was promoted from parliamentary secretary for reforms to Tourism Minister.

Another promotion was given to Rosianne Cutajar, who moves from the backbench to the post of parliamentary secretary for equality and reforms.

All 11 Labour MPs now sitting on the government backbench are men.

Abela said on TV last night that he pledges to introduce a mechanism that makes it possible for a higher presence of women in the Maltese Parliament.