Former Nationalist Party MP Doctor John Vella has died at the age of 86, with the news being broken by Opposition Leader Bernard Grech on Monday through social media.

"I salute the memory of John Vella, a man who served the people both as a representative in Parliament on behalf of the Nationalist Party, but also as a very dedicated doctor," Grech said.

The Opposition Leader continued that as a member of Parliament, Vella always stuck to his principles and represented the values of the PN with honour, respect, and determination. Grech added that Vella's commitment in the political and medical fields reflected his care for the well-being of the Maltese people.

"John will be remembered not only as a politician but as a man who made a difference in the lives of many people... My thoughts are with his family. Condolences to them and to his relatives and friends," Grech concluded.

In a statement, the Speaker of the House, Anglu Farrugia, expressed his condolences.