‘Underground palace’ undermines Tang’s chances

The man China’s Communist Party wants to be Hong Kong’s next leader has become caught up in a scandal over an opulent but illegal basement extension built under a swimming pool at one of his luxury properties.

Henry Tang was yesterday resisting growing pressure to drop out of the electoral race after reporters unearthed sketches that revealed the unauthorised 2,400-square-foot underground addition included a wine cellar and home cinema.

Local newspapers dubbed it the “underground palace” and splashed blueprints and photos on their front pages of the sleek and modern house, owned by Tang’s wife, which is set in a walled compound in the wealthy Kowloon district.

Mr Tang blamed the oversight on his wife, Lisa Kuo, who wept as she stood next to him while apologising. She said she oversaw the renovations because her husband was busy with work.

People who build without planning permission face a fine of up to HK$400,000 (about £32,500) or up to two years in prison. Building officers have inspected the extension but have not said if charges will be filed.

Mr Tang, a former senior government official, has been widely tipped as Beijing’s preferred choice to take over from Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, who steps down in July.