Education and Employment Minister Evarist Bartolo is of the opinion that Konrad Mizzi should have resigned of his own accord in the wake of the Panama Papers revelations, and that he should not have placed the onus on the Prime Minister.

Speaking with this newspaper, Mr Bartolo said: “I share the Prime Minister’s anguish in what was a difficult and trying decision.

“I am of the opinion that he should not have been made to take such a decision.

“Public servants, no matter which side of the divide they’re on, should be responsible enough to leave their roles when they err instead of passing the buck to their leaders to decide their fate.”