The GSD’s latest press release is yet another example of Keith Azopardi’s increasingly erratic and self-serving political conduct.

His statement is not a serious critique of an essential step in the modernisation of policing in Gibraltar that the Police, the FCDO, the Convent, the GPA and the Government agree is necessary.

Moreover, the work required in respect of a matter of such importance will take time to examine and therefore will not be rushed, giving plenty of time for greater engagement with all interested stakeholders and for the publication of the Report of the McGrail Inquiry.

The reality is that Mr Azopardi’s press release is just another transparent attempt to undermine Gibraltar’s institutions and distract from his own dangerous contradictions.

In fact, Keith Azopardi was fully aware of the Police Governance Steering Group before its public announcement. It was agreed at the very first meeting that he and the GSD would be advised of its formation and that they, along with other stakeholders, would be consulted throughout the process.

Mr Azopardi’s call for consultation now is not just disingenuous—it is pathetically hypocritical. He is attacking a process he was informed of and invited to engage with, simply because it does not serve his narrow political ambition.

The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, said:

“Mr Azopardi’s ambition to become Chief Minister is blinding him.

“It appears to have made him politically unhinged.

“In fact, Mr Azopardi’s desperation to become Chief Minister has led him to abandon principle, consistency, and even basic respect for Gibraltar’s institutions.

“He now starts the week by saying that the Chief Minister of Gibraltar cannot comment in the Gibraltar Parliament on the McGrail Inquiry report when it is published—but that he can.

“This is not just arrogant—it is constitutionally incoherent. As Chief Minister I have a duty to account to Parliament and to the people.

“Mr Azopardi’s attempt to silence me and the elected Government while reserving the right to speak himself is a blatant abuse of the most basic democratic norms.

“In fact, it appears that Mr Azopardi’s politics—and those of the GSD under his leadership—are no longer about what is good for Gibraltar.

“They are about rubbishing everything I and the GSLP Liberals do, regardless of merit, truth or consequence.

“This is a reflection of his previous attacks on the rule of law in Gibraltar, which were an unnecessary attack on Gibraltar’s reputation.

“This scorched-earth approach is corrosive and irresponsible.

“Indeed, Mr Azopardi’s constant attacks on Peter Montegriffo KC, the founder of the GSD, are particularly revealing.

“They expose a man who cannot tolerate dissent even within his own political tradition.

“His behaviour resembles a petty ‘law firm Game of Thrones,’ where he obsessively name-drops Hassans and its links to me, to Nigel Feetham and to Gemma Arias-Vasquez, while conveniently omitting his own role as a senior partner at TSN, alongside Damon Bossino.

“The selective outrage is laughable, and the double standards are glaring.

“His latest outburst on the McGrail Inquiry was riddled with insinuations and premature conclusions.

“Mr Azopardi speaks of transparency while attacking the very mechanisms of accountability.

“He speaks of reform while rejecting any process not led by him.

“He speaks of integrity while undermining the very institutions he once claimed to defend.

“The GSLP Liberal Government remains focused on serious, evidence-based reform of police governance.

“We will not be distracted by Mr Azopardi’s theatrics. We will continue to act in the best interests of Gibraltar, with dignity, with integrity and with respect for the institutions that we serve and that serve us all.”

ENDS