Sir Herbert Plumer was sailing to Malta when the Sette Giugno riots took place in Malta. He arrived three days after the riots, where four (4) people were killed. By August 1919, the National Assembly had drafted a Constitution whereby a local government would deal with local matters, such as civil legislation, public instruction and finance. Items of imperial interest (defence, naval and military services and functions) would be dealt with by Westminster. Governor Plumer was appointed Governor of Malta by 1921 and held his post till 1924.

A government was formed following elections and the formulation and inauguration of the new parliament took place on the 1st November 1921.