Karl Gouder to replace Michael Frendo in Parliament

The executive of the Nationalist Party has voted for Karl Gouder to be nominated to succeed Michael Frendo on the government backbenches in Parliament.

Dr Frendo is to step down in order to become Speaker. Since he was elected through a casual election, the prime minister is free to co-opt a successor.

The vote, at a meeting of the executive this morning, resulted in 31 votes for Mr Gouder, 19 for Pippo Psaila and four for Franco Galea, all of whom were candidates on the 10th district from which Dr Frendo had been elected. Paul Borg Olivier and Donald Felice opted not to participate. Dr Borg Olivier, who is PN general secretary, said he had taken his decision in the interests of the party.

Mr Gouder, an employee of the PN information office, will become the youngest MP on the government benches. He is currently deputy mayor of St Julians and had contested the general election for the first time.