OUTGOING Secretary for the Civil Service Mr Barrie Wiggham is to move into a $12 million mansion in Washington as a perk of his new job as Hongkong's first ''ambassador'' to the United States.
The luxurious residence, complete with two servants and a $780,000 redecoration allowance, was chosen by Mr Wiggham while on a recent official trip to the US.
Government Property Agency officials have flown to Washington to negotiate the purchase of the property, which is on Armat Drive in the fashionable suburb of Bethesda, known for its expensive houses, chic shops and trendy restaurants.
Although negotiations are understood to be in the final stages, after the original US$2 million (HK$15.6 million) asking price was reduced to US$1.5 million, Legislative Councillors have been told nothing of the move.
And the revelation has fuelled a growing row over the choice of Mr Wiggham to fill the specially-created position of Hongkong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs in the US.
Legislators are threatening to block the appointment, amid accusations of ''jobs for the boys'', and a fierce discussion is expected when the establishment sub-committee this week grills Government officials on the creation of the post.
Councillors claim Mr Wiggham was given the job as compensation for not being made Chief Secretary, and say a local officer with experience of trade affairs should have been appointed.