Mintoff was born in Cospicua on 6th August 1916. He completed his studies at the Royal University. In 1939 he was awarded a Rhodes scholarship and obtained his qualifications in science and engineering.
Mintoff entered politics in 1935, he served as a general secretary of the Labour Party and resigned when he was elected deputy leader. After the Labour Party victory in the elections of 1947, Mintoff was chosen as Minister of Works and Reconstruction. Internal problems caused a split within the party and in 1949 Mintoff became the leader of the Malta Labour Party. Mintoff was elected again in 1950 and after the 1951 and 1953 elections he was sworn as leader of the opposition. In 1955, Mintoff led the MLP to an electoral victory and in 1958 he resigned in protest against the British. Mintoff occupied the Office of Prime Minister between 1971 and 1981 and in 1984 he resigned from Prime Minister and leader of the MLP. From 1950 up to 1981 he was always the most popular candidate with the highest number of votes. During his years he changed Malta into a Republic and in 1979 he managed to dismantle the British military base from the islands. He is also considered one of the foremost social reformers who managed to influence the local mentality with his writings, speeches and later on, his administration.
Mintoff married Moira Bentinck in 1947 and they have two daughters.