Għarb mayor David Apap Agius has resigned from the Nationalist Party over police investigations involving usury.

He will, however, stay on as an independent mayor.

Mr Apap Agius, who has been mayor of the tranquil Gozitan locality since 1997, was investigated by the police over alleged usury in which he was involved, allegedly with his brother.

Although Mr Apap Agius had informed the party that he was vehemently denying the accusations, he said he felt it was better if he resigned.

He felt it was better if he resigned

A party spokesman had told Times of Malta last year, when Mr Apap Agius was first questioned, that the party would expect him to resign if and when charges were filed.

It is not clear whether the charges have actually been filed but Mr Apap Agius said in a statement yesterday he was resigning from the party to be in a better position to defend his reputation and “from a person who is acting in bad faith”.

He said he was also resigning from the party so as not to bring it into disrepute.

Mr Apap Agius also said he would remain on the council as an independent councillor.

A prominent figure in Għarb, Mr Apap Agius was elected on the first count in last March’s election. He could not be contacted for comment.

Sources said he told the police the money he had lent the alleged victim had been paid in full and there was an official signed document proving this. Police sources said Mr Apap Agius told investigators he believed this allegation made against him was nothing more than a personal vendetta.