On the financial point

The GSD's financial criticism was addressed comprehensively in December 2024 and nothing in today's statement adds anything to it. For the avoidance of doubt: the rent at 80a Queensway, at £28 per square foot, is the lowest contracted rent the Government pays across any of its rental agreements. Bassadone contributed £1.5 million to fit-out costs. When the £7.5 million sale premium and £2.5 million in discounts negotiated are set against the total lease cost, the net cost to the taxpayer over 22 years is approximately £2 million for modern, purpose-built accommodation for five departments. That figure speaks for itself.

The Government also notes, as it has before, that Mr Bossino's law firm represented Bassadone in this transaction. His repeated attempts to frame a good deal as a bad one are difficult to separate from that conflict of interest.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, said:

"The GSD have been saying the same thing since December, and they were wrong then. Works are under way. A contractor is on site. Technical Services will be moving in within six months, freeing up Sir Joshua Hassan House for a mental health facility. The other departments follow shortly after. We took the time to plan this properly, modern offices, proper infrastructure, the right facilities for the people who work in them and the public they serve. That is what responsible Government looks like. We negotiated the cheapest rent in our portfolio, secured a £1.5 million contribution to fit-out costs and are delivering first-class accommodation for public servants. The GSD can keep repeating themselves. The facts do not change."