The well-known former teacher, trade unionist and politician Maurice Xiberras has passed away.

Mr Xiberras studied at the University of Edinburgh and had a Teaching Certificate from Bristol. He was Teacher and Head of Department at the Gibraltar Grammar School from 1964 to 1979.

Mr Xiberras played an important role in the Rock’s drive towards greater self-determination. He was involved in the drafting of the 1969 Constitution and served as Deputy Chief Minister, Minister for Labour, Social Security, and Housing as part of the government led by the Integration With Britain Party. He was also Leader of the Opposition until 1979.

In 2009, the Gibraltar Parliament awarded him the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour for Public Service and Services to Politics.

Right up to his death, Mr Xiberras continued to write opinion pieces and letters in The Gibraltar Chronicle.

Mr Xiberras was 80 years old.