Culture Minister Owen Bonnici has been appointed as Leader of the House of Representatives, a position which he will hold in addition to his role as minister.

This is a different post to that of Speaker of the House, currently held by Anglu Farrugia. The Leader of the House is a member of government in the House of Representatives who has the job of ensuring that government’s bills and other business are introduced and pass smoothly.

"It will be a privilege to use my experience so that more positive changes and reforms be implemented as written in the government's electoral manifesto," Bonnici said.

"As Leader of the House I feel it is my duty to assure that Parliament will be led with the mature unity the people expect from the highest institution int he country."

He expressed his appreciation to PL Deputy Leader Chris Fearne "who in the past years carried out this responsibility with efficiency."