The Nationalist Party-Workers Party government led by Giorgio Borġ Olivier had been defeated in the Legislative Assembly vote on a budget motion on 9 October 1953.[2] This led to the three Workers Party ministers resigning from the cabinet on 12 October.[2] Following discussions with party leaders, the Assembly was dissolved by Governor Gerald Creasy on 15 October.[2] Elections were called, and the Nationalist Party ministers remained in office as a caretaker government.[2]