The day after winning a casual election, Gavin Gulia has resigned and is no longer an MP. He had held his seat for minutes.

Mr Gulia, in a brief statement reported widely by the local press, announced that Prime Minister Robert Abela had instead asked him to retain his position as Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) chairman to help combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector.

A new MP will be co-opted to replace him.

Mr Gulia only submitted his nomination for the casual election on Friday, a day before nominations closed, when only one other candidate, Charles Azzopardi, was in the running.

By the time nominations closed, the race was between Gavin Gulia, Charles Azzopardi and Jeffery Pullicino Orlando.

Mr Gulia had earlier indicated to the Times of Malta that he would resign his position as MTA chairman.