Malawian Vice-President Saulos Chilima has been fired by President Peter Mutharika in a cabinet reshuffle, the government has said.

Mr Chilima’s name was not on the list of cabinet members released by the chief secretary to the government, Lloyd Muhara, on Wednesday and no replacement was named.

Earlier this year, the former vice-president announced he would run against Mr Mutharika in next year’s election after he quit the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), citing alleged corruption in the country.

In July, the president’s office withdrew Mr Chilima’s security clearance, saying he would only have that privilege when performing government duties.

In 2011, then Vice-President Joyce Banda successfully challenged her sacking in court and she was reinstated.

She later went on to win a presidential election.