Top heritage adviser Bernard Chan dramatically quit yesterday after being accused of colluding with officials over Government Hill.
At least three other members of the Antiquities Advisory Board also indicated they would resign as development secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor faced criticism for allegedly bypassing the heritage process.
Chan's resignation came after Lam announced last Thursday that the former government headquarters would be demolished to make way for a 32-storey office block.
Hours later, Chan used his deciding vote to make the board recommend a grade II status for the 52-year-old west wing for a public consultation. His move followed a stalemate among board members, with eight voting for grade I, eight for grade II and four for grade III.
A grade II building is not generally safe from demolition, while a grade I building may be protected if it is then declared a monument.
Critics say Lam should not have announced the demolition plan for the west wing before the board had met. She said Chan 'supported' the announcement, which would 'clear any political disturbances for the AAB'.
Chan admitted that Lam's remarks would invite speculation that he had colluded with her, but said she could have clarified his view. 'I couldn't control the manner in which [Lam] announced the plan,' he said.