Updated 3.48pm with PN statement

The Nationalist Party said John Rizzo has its “full confidence” as its nominee on the Permanent Commission Against Corruption after his police officer son was suspended from the force.

In a statement, the PN said it had "full confidence in John Rizzo and trusts the decisions he makes, including in the present circumstances".

Earlier, Labour had questioned Rizzo's suitability for membership on the commission in light of revelations concerning his son, Kurt, who was suspended over allegations of leaking police information, and drug abuse.

Rizzo himself has not commented on the matter. 

Describing the former police commissioner as having "unwavering integrity and the highest honesty," the PN said it was "scandalous... the Labour Party and its leadership continue to launch highly personal and malicious attacks".

"Only those who do not believe in justice and refuse to fight corruption would attack John Rizzo in the manner the Labour Party is doing," the statement read.

Describing the revelations about Rizzo's son as being "of grave concern", the Labour Party said earlier they had been "met with deafening silence from the Nationalist Party and its usual acolytes who are usually quick to attack the government and ask for resignations".

"What is the Nationalist Party's position about this? Does the PN think that given these events, Mr Rizzo’s position on the Commission, on its behalf, is still tenable?" the PL asked.

Kurt Rizzo was part of the police Special Intervention Unit (SIU). The specialised unit handles delicate, high-risk police operations such as dangerous arrests related to drugs, hostage situations and other serious crime.

The unit also offers personal security to dignitaries, VIPs and to other people who need personal police protection. 

His father John Rizzo served as police commissioner between 2001 and 2013. He was replaced shortly after Joseph Muscat was swept into government.