Francis Fabri has resigned as mayor of Rabat after he was appointed as principal of a college of state schools.

Mr Fabri and Rabat council executive secretary Franco Azzopardi said the resignation became necessary since his new duties were incompatible with his role in the council. Contacted, Mr Fabri, who has been mayor of Rabat for the last four years after having been elected to the council on behalf of the Malta Labour Party, said the resignation was in line with the Civil Service Regulations. The resignation is effective from Wednesday.

Mr Fabri has also resigned his seat as councillor.

In a statement, the council's executive secretary praised Mr Fabri for his work saying that he had left the council in a sound financial position.

"Mr Fabri was always exemplary in his duties and has always had a good working relationship with the rest of the councillors and council employees," Mr Azzopardi said.

A by-election will now be held to fill the vacant seat and a new mayor will be elected at a later stage.