Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi this afternoon denied claims that he fired his chief of staff Joseph Montebello earlier this week.

However, he admitted that Mr Montebello will not continue to head his ministry and would be redeployed.

timesofmalta.com is informed that Dr Mizzi fired his Mr Montebello earlier this week following a heated argument between the two.

Contrary to practice, Mr Montebello was not present for a press conference addressed by Dr Mizzi this afternoon.

Asked whether he had fired Mr Montebello, Dr Mizzi said he did not but added that Mr Montebello would be moved to another position for his services to be better utilised.

Meanwhile, Dr Mizzi did not explain why he missed the deadline for the submission of his declaration of assets according to MPs' code of ethics.

He said that he was aware of his obligations and would submit his declaration shortly.

Several attempts have been made to contact Mr Montebello, but he has not, so far, answered his mobile phone.