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Draft:James Aaron Ellul

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James Aaron Ellul
LeaderBernard Grech
Personal details
Born (1995-07-03) July 3, 1995 (age 29)
Floriana
Political partyNationalist Party
Other political
affiliations		European People's Party
SpouseSarah Jane Ellul née Sammut
Children1
Alma materUniversity of Malta
ProfessionJournalist, Author, news presenter, documentary maker

James Aaron Ellul (3rd July, 1995) is a politician, a journalist and a writer. He is the Deputy Mayor of Floriana, Malta.[1][2]

Ellul became the youngest elected councilor in Floriana at the age of 19, when the legal age for candidacy was 18.

He served as Communications Director for the Nationalist Party (Malta) from 2023 to 2024, during the European Parliament and Local Council elections, where the party narrowed the vote gap and regained several localities[3].

On September 9, 2024, Ellul took on the role of Director of Informa Library within the Nationalist Party (Malta), after resigning from his previous position and declared his intention to contest the general election.[4]

Early Life and Education

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James Aaron Ellul studied at St. Augustine College in Pietà, Ġ.F. Abela Junior College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Maltese from the University of Malta. His thesis focused on the literary terms used in speeches by former Maltese Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami.[5]

Ellul’s family business in Floriana was established in 1881 by his great-great-grandfather, Lorenzo. The family nickname is "Ta' Quattromani."[6]

He is married to Sarah, and they have a son.[7][8]

Journalism Career

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Ellul started his journalism career with Net News in 2014. He also works as a news anchor for Net News and produces the program PROFILI on Net TV. Previously, he produced and presented the show Magħkom[9]. PROFILI[10] features interviews with notable figures who have made an impact across Malta and beyond[11][12][13][14].

During the 2017 election campaign James Aaron Ellul was also a protagonist in news features under the name of Dar - Dar - Tuna[15][16]

In 2019, Ellul also participated in a program that analyzed local football[17].

In April 2023, James Aaron Ellul was appointed as the Communications Director of Malta's Nationalist Party (PN), succeeding Simon Vella Gregory[18].

During his tenure, the PN achieved significant electoral gains, notably reducing the vote margin between the PN and the Labour Party from 40,000 to under 10,000 votes in the European Parliament elections. This outcome was considered one of the most favorable for the PN in such elections [19].

On September 9, 2024, Ellul transitioned to the role of Director of the Informa Library within the PN headquarters. This move followed his resignation as Communications Director and his announcement to contest in the upcoming general election [20].

Complaint Against Minister Clint Camilleri

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In January 2021, James Aaron Ellul, then working as a journalist, filed a formal complaint regarding a denigrating comment directed at him by Minister Clint Camilleri. The incident, documented in a report by the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM), raised concerns over press freedom and respect for journalists in Malta. The report highlighted the need for appropriate conduct by public officials when interacting with the press [21].

In its report the IGM stated that from its perspective, this was not the only matter for concern. The vast majority of the ministers were trooping into the Auberge de Castille, ignoring Ellul legitimate questions in a close approximation of totalitarian elements. A simple acknowledgement with a ‘no comment’ or similar stock reply would help the IĠM believe that government still feels somewhat accountable to the people through their journalists. The IGM concluded that a better attitude from the Labour Government is called for.

Political Career

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As a student, Ellul was active in student organizations such as the SDM (Maltese Christian Democratic Students) and the MŻPN (Nationalist Party Youth Movement). Between 2018 and 2021, he served as the Social Policy Officer of the MŻPN, Partit Nazzjonalista Youth Wing. [22][23]

At the age of 17, Ellul became involved in local politics, joining the Nationalist Party's local committee in Floriana. At 18, he was elected President of the committee, becoming the youngest person to hold this role in a local PN branch. He served as President for nearly eight years before stepping down to run in the 2022 General Election.[24]

Local Council

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On April 11, 2015, Ellul was elected as a Local Councillor in Floriana, becoming the youngest person to hold the position in the locality.

Four years later, on May 25, 2019, he was re-elected, receiving the most votes among PN candidates and securing 88% of the PN vote. He served as Minority Leader after the Nationalist Party failed to win a majority in the Floriana Local Council.[25].

Ellul has been focused on regeneration projects for Floriana and has advocated for investment in the locality, particularly for Triq Sant'Anna. By 2022, he had submitted over 55 motions in the council, one of which called for the proper upkeep of the Jubilee Grove in Floriana.[26][27]

In 2024, Ellul secured the highest number of votes in the Floriana Local Council Election and was re-elected for his third term. In July, he was appointed Deputy Mayor with a 4-1 vote, even gaining support from a Labour Party councillor [28][29][30].

St.Anne's Street Controversy

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Ellul was actively involved in addressing traffic management issues. In a notable instance, he was engaged in discussions surrounding the controversial car-free day proposed for Triq Sant'Anna in Floriana, which faced criticism from local officials, including Floriana Local Council. This proposal, intended to ease congestion, was shelved following concerns about its impact on local traffic flow and accessibility.[31]

Ellul stated that for this decision, the Floriana Local Council was left out of all the discussion[32].

Safeguarding the Granaries

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James Aaron Ellul, a Floriana councillor, has been a vocal advocate for the conservation of the Granaries (Il-Fosos), a historically and culturally significant site in Malta. The Granaries, constructed during the time of the Knights of St. John, are not only an architectural marvel but also a space for large-scale public events, including concerts, political gatherings, and papal visits. Despite their Grade 1 architectural status, akin to landmarks like the Co-Cathedral of St. John, the site has suffered from neglect, subsidence, and lack of consistent maintenance[33][34].

Ellul has pointed out significant issues, including uneven surfaces caused by subsidence, the loss of two historic lampposts, and a lack of clear responsibility among governmental entities for the site's upkeep. He has criticized the absence of a supervising authority and the inadequacy of prior conservation agreements, emphasizing that no comprehensive restoration has been carried out for over 60 years. Moreover, he highlighted the failure to commission an independent risk assessment for the area, which he believes is vital for its preservation[35].

In response to these challenges, Ellul launched a petition in 2023, garnering over 1,100 signatures, to advocate for immediate action to protect Il-Fosos[36]. He has also expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of respect for local councils, stating that decisions about the site are often made without adequate consultation or consideration for the council’s input[37][38]. Ellul and his colleagues have proposed stronger conservation measures and urged government entities like Heritage Malta to take responsibility for this critical site, stressing the importance of year-round preservation, not just pre-election initiatives[39].

Honours

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In 2020, Ellul was recognized as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Young Persons in Malta, winning the award for Political and/or Legal/Governmental Affairs.[40]

In 2024, he was a finalist for the National Book Prize in the Study and Research category for his book Il-Kelma ta' Eddie Fenech Adami.[41]

Publications

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In 2022, Ellul published a study on Malta’s electoral system, with the main focus being the 2008 electoral result. In early 2023, James Aaron Ellul announced that a study on Eddie Fenech Adami would be published.[42]

Bibliography

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  • 2022 - Pioneers of Democracy: A Study of Malta’s Electoral System with a Focus On the 2008 Electoral Result [43]
  • 2023 - Il-Kelma ta' Eddie Fenech Adami [44]
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References

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  1. ^ Bonavia, Sarah (2024-07-12). ""Se naħdmu b'saħħa favur il-Furjaniżi" - James Aaron Ellul". NETnews (in Maltese). Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  2. ^ "Independent councillor appointed Floriana mayor, with PN councillor as deputy mayor - The Malta Independent". www.independent.com.mt. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  3. ^ "As it happened: Labour's majority evaporates as PN reclaims third MEP seat". Times of Malta. 2024-06-09.
  4. ^ "PN's Director of Communications steps down, declares intention to contest general election - The Malta Independent". www.independent.com.mt.
  5. ^ "Lista tat-teżijiet li saru fid-Dipartiment tal-Malti" (PDF). Università ta' Malta.
  6. ^ "Rakkont dwar il-familja ta' Ellul". The People of Malta.
  7. ^ Newsroom, N. E. T. (2022-04-30). "Awguri Sarah u James! Jiżżewweġ il-ġurnalist James Aaron Ellul". NETnews (in Maltese). {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  8. ^ Staff Reporter (5 July 2023). "PN communications director and wife welcome firstborn". Newsbook.com.mt.
  9. ^ NET Television was live. | By NET Television | Facebook. Retrieved 2024-11-07 – via www.facebook.com.
  10. ^ Riolo, Chayenne (2024-09-25). "Minn nhar it-Tnejn: Skeda ġdida fuq Net Television u Net FM". NETnews (in Maltese). Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  11. ^ "James Aaron Ellul, Awtur NETnews" (in Maltese).
  12. ^ Newsroom, N. E. T. (2024-03-06). "PROFILI: "Kienu ħasbu li vera se naqa' dawk is-sulari kollha" - Rina Camilleri". NETnews (in Maltese). Retrieved 2024-09-24. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  13. ^ "PROFILI - Programm imxandar fuq NET Television". Net on Demand.[dead link‍]
  14. ^ "PROFILI". Spotify. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  15. ^ 72K views · 504 reactions | 'L-Aqwa Żmien ta' Pajjiżna' għal Sai Mizzi | By Dar - Dar - Tuna | Facebook. Retrieved 2024-11-06 – via www.facebook.com.
  16. ^ "Sai Mizzi Liang: still freeloading in Shanghai while her husband freeloads in Malta | Daphne Caruana Galizia". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  17. ^ Cutajar, Keane (2019-08-21). "Replay - 20 sena ta' produzzjoni". NETnews (in Maltese). Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  18. ^ "Floriana minority leader James Aaron Ellul appointed PN communications director". MaltaToday.com.mt. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  19. ^ "As it happened: Labour's majority evaporates as PN reclaims third MEP seat". Times of Malta. 2024-06-09. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
  20. ^ "PN's Director of Communications steps down, declares intention to contest general election - The Malta Independent". www.independent.com.mt. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
  21. ^ "Report on complaint refering to a denigrating comment made by Minister Clint Camilleri to a journalist – Istitut tal-Ġurnalisti Maltin". Retrieved 2024-10-25.
  22. ^ "Pubblikazzjoni dwar Ellul". issuu. 20 May 2019.
  23. ^ ""Il-Partit Nazzjonalista jrid isir żagħżugħ" – Il-Kap tal-PN Adrian Delia". Net News. 26 February 2018.
  24. ^ "James Aaron Ellul - Leħnek fil-Floriana by James Aaron Ellul - Issuu". issuu.com. 2015-04-03.
  25. ^ "Ir-riżultat tal-elezzjoni". Kummissjoni Elettorali.
  26. ^ "Kitba dwar l-importanza ta' riġenerazzjoni fil-lokal". Times of Malta. 7 April 2015.
  27. ^ ""Azzjoni issa qabel ikun tard wisq" – James Aaron Ellul". Net News. 7 August 2022.
  28. ^ Newsroom, T. V. M. (2024-06-14). "Floriana: 2 PL, 2 PN u 1 Independent councillor elected". {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  29. ^ Diacono, Tim (2024-07-11). "'He Deserved It': PL Floriana Councillor Justin Haber Votes In Favour Of PN Vice Mayor".
  30. ^ Gavin, Muscat. "Il-Kunsilliera Laburisti jivvotaw differenti dwar in-nomina ta' James Aaron Ellul bħala Viċi Sindku". Newsbook.com.mt (in Mlt).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  31. ^ "Floriana council irked at car-free day after Triq Sant' Anna traffic plan is shelved". MaltaToday.com.mt. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  32. ^ Balzan, Jurgen (23/10/2024). "Floriana council outraged at being excluded from plans for car-free Triq Sant'Anna". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ "Who takes care of Floriana's 'fosos'? Councillor wants action on upkeep". MaltaToday.com.mt. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  34. ^ "Councillor calls for protection of Floriana granaries". Times of Malta. 2023-08-30. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  35. ^ "Floriana councillors want 'real protection' for the Granaries". Times of Malta. 2024-08-08. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  36. ^ DeBono, Ruth Zammit (2023-09-10). "'Il fuq minn 1,100 persuna jiffirmaw il-petizzjoni għall-protezzjoni tal-Fosos". NETnews (in Maltese). Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  37. ^ Muscat, Gavin (01-06-2024). ""Ftehim dwar il-Fosos tal-Furjana ġie ffirmat minn wara dahar il-Kunsilliera"". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  38. ^ AI, Redazione (2024-06-02). "Il Consiglio della Floriana ha firmato il MOU sui Granai senza votare, dicono i consiglieri PN - Gazzetta di Malta" (in Italian). Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  39. ^ "Floriana council signed MOU on Granaries without taking vote, PN councillors say". Times of Malta. 2024-06-01. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  40. ^ Weekly, The Malta Business (2020-12-10). "JCI Malta awards the ten most outstanding young people for 2020 | The Malta Business Weekly". {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  41. ^ "Niċċelebraw l-Eċċellenza Letterarja: Il-Finalisti tal-Premju Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb u l-Premju Terramaxka 2024 | Kunsill Nazzjonali Tal-Ktieb" (in Maltese). 2024-08-27.
  42. ^ MaltaDaily (2023-01-13). "A first of its kind - 'Il-Kelma ta' Eddie Fenech Adami' soon to be published".
  43. ^ Ellul, James Aaron (2022-01-01). "A Study of Malta's Electoral System with a Focus On the 2008 Electoral Result". Pioneers of Democracy.
  44. ^ "Il-kelma ta' Eddie Fenech Adami".
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