Former prime minister Lawrence Gonzi agrees with Nationalist MP Giovanna Debono’s decision to resign from the Opposition’s parliamentary group and would have done the same himself.

“This was characteristic of Giovanna. She did the most genuine thing she could have done,” he said, later describing the move as the “right and honourable thing”.

Ms Debono announced her resignation from the PN parliamentary group yesterday after her husband Anthony was charged in court over the “works for votes” scandal revealed earlier this year.

Mr Debono allegedly used public funds and resources to carry out construction and road works for constituents in the build-up to the 2013 general election while Ms Debono was Gozo minister.

She did the most genuine thing she could have done

Speaking to reporters outside the Renzo Piano building, Dr Gonzi said he had known nothing about the alleged works while he was still prime minister.

Probed further on the matter he said he had no suspicions that anything insidious had been going on either. He declined further comment, saying the case was before the courts.

But asked to comment on the motivation behind Ms Debono’s resignation, Dr Gonzi said she had decided to dedicate herself to protecting the integrity of her family and to help prove its innocence before the courts.

Her decision, he added, also meant the PN would not be affected by any further allegations, as she had cut ties with the party.

This, he said, was exactly what he would have expected her to do.

“She has always been a very conscientious woman and I agree completely with her decision,” he said.

Although Ms Debono has resigned from the PN’s group, she has not vacated her seat in the House and will now serve as an independent MP.

Asked whether he agreed with this decision, Dr Gonzi said this was Ms Debono’s personal choice and one he could not take for her.