Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Tuesday evening that he had not yet received Chris Cardona's resignation from the role of PL Deputy Leader but "the agreement was that it should arrive shortly."

The PM said earlier that he had asked Cardona to step down from the role in view of the allegations levelled against the former Economy Minister in court over the past few days.

The PM had previously hinted that Cardona should step down, but the former MP told this newsroom on Sunday that he would not be resigning.

The situation changed on Tuesday after he was asked to step down by the PM.

Abela was also asked whether the police should interrogate Cardona and former OPM Chief of Staff Keith Schembri in view of the latest allegations.

The PM said he would let the police do their job but added that the government would ensure that "all investigations and prosecutions are concluded."

Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat refused to answer questions about his former chief of staff, telling a journalist that he was "talking to himself."

Meanwhile, most Labour MPs chose not to comment when asked about Cardona.

Most said they had nothing to add further to what the PM had said earlier.

Minister Carmelo Abela said the authorities should be allowed to work and the government should not interfere.

Asked whether Cardona should have resigned of his own accord, rather than wait for the PM to ask him to step down, Abela said everyone has to shoulder their own responsibility.

Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis also said the institutions should be given the space to work, adding that the government does not interfere in investigations.