Draft:James Aaron Ellul

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.{{Cite web |title=Lista tat-teżijiet li saru fid-Dipartiment tal-Malti |url=https://www.um.edu.mt/media/um/docs/faculties/arts/malti/tezijiet_letteratura.pdf |publisher=Università ta' Malta}}

Ellul’s family business in Floriana was established in 1881 by his great-great-grandfather, Lorenzo. The family nickname is "Ta' Quattromani."{{Cite web |title=Rakkont dwar il-familja ta' Ellul |url=https://www.facebook.com/thepeopleofmalta/posts/512023157610168 |publisher=The People of Malta}}

He is married to Sarah, and they have a son.{{Cite web |last=Newsroom |first=N. E. T. |date=2022-04-30 |title=Awguri Sarah u James! Jiżżewweġ il-ġurnalist James Aaron Ellul |url=https://netnews.com.mt/2022/04/30/awguri-sarah-u-james-jizzewweg-il-gurnalist-james-aaron-ellul/ |website=NETnews |language=mt-MT}}{{cite web |last=Staff Reporter |date=5 July 2023 |title=PN communications director and wife welcome firstborn |url=https://newsbook.com.mt/en/pn-communications-director-and-wife-welcome-firstborn/ |website=Newsbook.com.mt |language=En}}

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{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.facebook.com/NETTVmalta/videos/771471713655023/ |title=NET Television was live. {{!}} By NET Television {{!}} Facebook |language=en |access-date=2024-11-07 |via=www.facebook.com}}. PROFILI{{Cite web |last=Riolo |first=Chayenne |date=2024-09-25 |title=Minn nhar it-Tnejn: Skeda ġdida fuq Net Television u Net FM |url=https://netnews.com.mt/2024/09/25/minn-nhar-it-skeda-gdida-fuq-net-television-u-net-fm/ |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=NETnews |language=mt-MT}} features interviews with notable figures who have made an impact across Malta and beyond{{Cite web |title=James Aaron Ellul, Awtur NETnews |url=https://netnews.com.mt/author/jamesaaronellul/ |language=mt-MT}}{{Cite web |last=Newsroom |first=N. E. T. |date=2024-03-06 |title=PROFILI: "Kienu ħasbu li vera se naqa' dawk is-sulari kollha" - Rina Camilleri |url=https://netnews.com.mt/2024/03/06/profili-kienu-hasbu-li-vera-se-naqa-dawk-is-sulari-kollha-rina-camilleri/ |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=NETnews |language=mt-MT}}{{Cite web |title=PROFILI - Programm imxandar fuq NET Television |url=https://netondemand.mt/series/216 |publisher=Net on Demand |access-date=2024-09-24 |archive-date=2023-01-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129144135/https://netondemand.mt/series/216 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |title=PROFILI |url=https://open.spotify.com/show/37zVkldmEDtBUrcZhKjbE1 |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=Spotify |language=en}}.

During the 2017 election campaign James Aaron Ellul was also a protagonist in news features under the name of Dar - Dar - Tuna{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.facebook.com/dardartuna/videos/1881450982116108 |title=72K views · 504 reactions {{!}} 'L-Aqwa Żmien ta' Pajjiżna' għal Sai Mizzi {{!}} By Dar - Dar - Tuna {{!}} Facebook |language=en |access-date=2024-11-06 |via=www.facebook.com}}{{Cite web |title=Sai Mizzi Liang: still freeloading in Shanghai while her husband freeloads in Malta {{!}} Daphne Caruana Galizia |url=https://daphnecaruanagalizia.com/2017/05/sai-mizzi-liang-still-freeloading-shanghai-husband-freeloads-malta/ |access-date=2024-11-19 |language=en-GB}}

In 2019, Ellul also participated in a program that analyzed local football{{Cite web |last=Cutajar |first=Keane |date=2019-08-21 |title=Replay - 20 sena ta' produzzjoni |url=https://netnews.com.mt/2019/08/21/replay-20-sena-ta-produzzjoni/ |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=NETnews |language=mt-MT}}.

In April 2023, James Aaron Ellul was appointed as the Communications Director of Malta's Nationalist Party (PN), succeeding Simon Vella Gregory{{Cite web |title=Floriana minority leader James Aaron Ellul appointed PN communications director |url=https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/122550/_floriana_minority_leader_james_aaron_ellul_appointed_pn_communications_director |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=MaltaToday.com.mt |language=en}}.

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 {{Cite web |date=2024-06-09 |title=As it happened: Labour's majority evaporates as PN reclaims third MEP seat |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/malta-2024-mep-european-parliament-elections-live-blog-results.1093707 |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb}}.

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 {{Cite web |title=PN's Director of Communications steps down, declares intention to contest general election - The Malta Independent |url=https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2024-09-03/local-news/PN-s-Director-of-Communications-steps-down-declares-intention-to-contest-general-election-6736263919 |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=www.independent.com.mt}}.

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 {{Cite web |title=Report on complaint refering to a denigrating comment made by Minister Clint Camilleri to a journalist – Istitut tal-Ġurnalisti Maltin |url=https://igm.mt/2021/01/14/report-on-complaint-refering-to-a-denigrating-comment-made-by-minister-clint-camilleri-to-a-journalist/ |access-date=2024-10-25 |language=en-US}}.

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.

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.{{Cite web |title=Pubblikazzjoni dwar Ellul |date=20 May 2019 |url=https://issuu.com/elluljamesaaron/docs/il-floriana__9_ |publisher=issuu |access-date=24 September 2024 |archive-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129144133/https://issuu.com/elluljamesaaron/docs/il-floriana__9_ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |title="Il-Partit Nazzjonalista jrid isir żagħżugħ" – Il-Kap tal-PN Adrian Delia |date=26 February 2018 |url=https://netnews.com.mt/2018/02/26/il-partit-nazzjonalista-jrid-isir-zaghzugh-il-kap-tal-pn-adrian-delia/ |publisher=Net News}}

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.{{Cite web |date=2015-04-03 |title=James Aaron Ellul - Leħnek fil-Floriana by James Aaron Ellul - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/jamesaaronellul/docs/james_260315_leafletmalti_v5_issuu |website=issuu.com |language=en |access-date=2024-09-24 |archive-date=2024-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920214400/https://issuu.com/jamesaaronellul/docs/james_260315_leafletmalti_v5_issuu |url-status=dead }}

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.{{Cite web |title=Ir-riżultat tal-elezzjoni |url=https://electoral.gov.mt/ElectionResults/LocalCouncil?year=215&v=629 |publisher=Kummissjoni Elettorali}}.

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.{{Cite web |title=Kitba dwar l-importanza ta' riġenerazzjoni fil-lokal |date=7 April 2015 |url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/The-quest-for-regeneration.562898 |publisher=Times of Malta}}{{Cite web |title="Azzjoni issa qabel ikun tard wisq" – James Aaron Ellul |date=7 August 2022 |url=https://netnews.com.mt/2022/08/07/azzjoni-issa-qabel-ikun-tard-wisq-james-aaron-ellul/ |publisher=Net News}}

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 {{Cite web |date=2024-06-14 |title=Floriana: 2 PL, 2 PN u 1 Independent councillor elected |url=https://tvmnews.mt/en/news/floriana-2-pl-2-pn-u-1-independent-councillor-elected/ |website=tvmnews.mt |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Diacono |first=Tim |date=2024-07-11 |title='He Deserved It': PL Floriana Councillor Justin Haber Votes In Favour Of PN Vice Mayor |url=https://lovinmalta.com/news/he-deserved-it-pl-floriana-councillor-justin-haber-votes-in-favour-of-pn-vice-mayor/ |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |first=Gavin |last=Muscat |date= |title=Il-Kunsilliera Laburisti jivvotaw differenti dwar in-nomina ta' James Aaron Ellul bħala Viċi Sindku |url=https://newsbook.com.mt/jinthalaq-ftehim-biex-nigel-holland-isir-sindku-tal-furjana/ |website=Newsbook.com.mt |language=mt}}.

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.{{Cite web |title=Floriana council irked at car-free day after Triq Sant' Anna traffic plan is shelved |url=https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/131917/floriana_mayor_irked_at_carfree_day_for_triq_sant_anna_traffic_plan_is_shelved |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=MaltaToday.com.mt |language=en}}

Ellul stated that for this decision, the Floriana Local Council was left out of all the discussion{{Cite web |last=Balzan |first=Jurgen |date=2024-10-24 |title=Floriana council outraged at being excluded from plans for car-free Triq Sant'Anna |url=https://newsbook.com.mt/en/floriana-council-outraged-at-being-excluded-from-plans-for-car-free-triq-santanna/ |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=Newbook.com.mt}}.

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{{Cite web |title=Who takes care of Floriana's 'fosos'? Councillor wants action on upkeep |url=https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/122148/who_takes_care_of_florianas_fosos_councillor_wants_action_on_upkeep |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=MaltaToday.com.mt |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-30 |title=Councillor calls for protection of Floriana granaries |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/councillor-calls-protection-floriana-granaries.1052009 |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb}}.

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{{Cite web |date=2024-08-08 |title=Floriana councillors want 'real protection' for the Granaries |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/floriana-councillors-want-real-protection-granaries.1096501 |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb}}.

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{{Cite web |last=DeBono |first=Ruth Zammit |date=2023-09-10 |title='Il fuq minn 1,100 persuna jiffirmaw il-petizzjoni għall-protezzjoni tal-Fosos |url=https://netnews.com.mt/2023/09/10/il-fuq-minn-1100-persuna-jiffirmaw-il-petizzjoni-ghall-protezzjoni-tal-fosos/ |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=NETnews |language=mt-MT}}. 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{{Cite web |last=Muscat |first=Gavin |date=2024-06-01 |title="Ftehim dwar il-Fosos tal-Furjana ġie ffirmat minn wara dahar il-Kunsilliera" |url=https://newsbook.com.mt/ftehim-dwar-il-fosos-tal-furjana-gie-ffirmat-minn-wara-dahar-il-kunsilliera/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Newsbook.com.mt}}{{Cite web |last=AI |first=Redazione |date=2024-06-02 |title=Il Consiglio della Floriana ha firmato il MOU sui Granai senza votare, dicono i consiglieri PN - Gazzetta di Malta |url=https://gazzettadimalta.com/malta/il-consiglio-della-floriana-ha-firmato-il-mou-sui-granai-senza-votare-dicono-i-consiglieri-pn/ |access-date=2024-11-27 |language=it-IT}}. 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{{Cite web |date=2024-06-01 |title=Floriana council signed MOU on Granaries without taking vote, PN councillors say |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/floriana-council-signed-mou-granaries-taking-vote-pn-councillors-say.1093384 |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb}}

Ellul has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at the regeneration of Floriana, a locality facing challenges such as population decline and infrastructural neglect. In February 2025, he presented the Floriana Regeneration Plan, a comprehensive policy document addressing these issues. The plan focuses on infrastructure enhancement, community engagement, and economic revitalization. It proposes preserving historical architecture while integrating modern amenities, implementing smart city technologies, and enhancing green spaces to make Floriana more livable and attractive{{Cite web |date=2025-02-19 |title=Floriana Deputy Mayor Unveils Locality Regeneration Plan |url=https://maltadaily.mt/floriana-deputy-mayor-unveils-locality-regeneration-plan/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Malta Daily |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=TMID Editorial: Aging towns, aging population |work=The Malta Independent |url=https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2025-02-19/newspaper-leader/TMID-Editorial-Aging-towns-aging-population-6736267971 |access-date=2025-02-19}}{{Cite news |title=Floriana Deputy Mayor presents Regeneration Plan document addressing locality's challenges |work=The Malta Independent |url=https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2025-02-17/local-news/Floriana-Deputy-Mayor-presents-Floriana-Regeneration-Plan-document-addressing-locality-s-challenges-6736267932 |access-date=2025-02-19}}{{Cite web |last=Borg |first=Maria |date=2025-02-17 |title=Approvat il-pjan ta' riġenerazzjoni għall-Floriana |url=https://netnews.com.mt/2025/02/17/approvat-il-pjan-ta-rigenerazzjoni-ghall-floriana/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=NETnews |language=mt-MT}}. The proposal got the apporval of all councillors, including those of the Labour Party.

In January 2025, James Aaron Ellul stated that a policy document was forthcoming, with the primary objective of discussing it with Floriana residents.{{Cite news |title=Floriana population decline worries local council - The Malta Independent |url=https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2025-01-16/local-news/Floriana-population-decline-worries-local-council-6736267178 |access-date=2025-02-19}}

In May 2025, the Floriana Local Council issued a warning over a persistent decline in the town’s residential population, describing the trend as a “demographic crisis” that threatens to erode its communal fabric. James Aaron Ellul presented a policy document advocating for an active regeneration plan. This includes targeted subsidies and funding mechanisms aimed at encouraging residential development and reducing the pace of commercial conversions. Ellul also emphasized the importance of redirecting private sector investments from purely commercial interests toward residential regeneration, supported by coherent government assistance.

He noted that discussions were underway with neighbouring harbour-area localities like Birgu, and that the issue has garnered interest from regional authorities and NGOs. He said engagements have been held with government leaders, including Local Government Minister Owen Bonnici and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech, with Bonnici reportedly suggesting the concern could be escalated to Cabinet level. Ellul also urged the Planning Authority to adhere to its own guidelines and preserve Floriana’s long-term residential prospects{{Cite web |last=Malta |first=Times of |date=2025-05-02 |title=Floriana sounds alarm on population decline amid rise in commercial development |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/floriana-sounds-alarm-population-decline-rise-commercial-development.1109100 |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb}}{{Cite web |last=AI |first=Redazione |date=2025-05-02 |title=Floriana scompare: case vuote e identità in fuga - Gazzetta di Malta |url=https://gazzettadimalta.com/malta/floriana-scompare-case-vuote-e-identita-in-fuga/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |language=it-IT}}.

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.{{Cite web |last=Weekly |first=The Malta Business |date=2020-12-10 |title=JCI Malta awards the ten most outstanding young people for 2020 {{!}} The Malta Business Weekly |url=https://maltabusinessweekly.com/jci-malta-awards-the-ten-most-outstanding-young-people-for-2020/11307/ |language=en-GB}}

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.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-27 |title=Niċċelebraw l-Eċċellenza Letterarja: Il-Finalisti tal-Premju Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb u l-Premju Terramaxka 2024 {{!}} Kunsill Nazzjonali Tal-Ktieb |url=https://ktieb.org.mt/news/niccelebraw-l-eccellenza-letterarja-il-finalisti-tal-premju-nazzjonali-tal-ktieb-u-l-premju-terramaxka-2024/ |language=mt}}

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.{{Cite web |last=MaltaDaily |date=2023-01-13 |title=A first of its kind - 'Il-Kelma ta' Eddie Fenech Adami' soon to be published |url=https://maltadaily.mt/a-first-of-its-kind-il-kelma-ta-eddie-fenech-adami-soon-to-be-published/ |language=en-GB}}

• 2022 - Pioneers of Democracy: A Study of Malta’s Electoral System with a Focus On the 2008 Electoral Result{{Cite journal |last=Ellul |first=James Aaron |date=2022-01-01 |title=A Study of Malta's Electoral System with a Focus On the 2008 Electoral Result |url=https://www.academia.edu/83710689 |journal=Pioneers of Democracy}}

• 2023 - Il-Kelma ta' Eddie Fenech Adami{{Cite web |title=Il-kelma ta' Eddie Fenech Adami |url=https://www.midseabooks.com/shop/language-literature/studju-dwar-il-malti/il-kelma-ta-eddie-fenech-adami/ |language=en-US}}

• [https://twitter.com/JamesAaronEllul James Aaron Ellul fuq Twitter]

{{Draft categories|:Category:Living people

:Category:1995 births

:Category:21st-century Maltese politicians

}}