In July last year revealed how John Jefferis managed to save himself millions of dollars by radically renegotiating the terms of a lease to run Government-owned Stonington Beach Hotel after he was selected.

Under the deal, Mr. Jefferis got the lease doubled from 21 years to 50 years; saved millions in rent by paying less than originally demanded and obtaining a five year rent-free holiday; was given 1.9 acres of land and two cottages which were not on the original offer; got the right build and sell condominiums; and secured an extra four acre plot of land which was not in the first proposal. Tourism Minister Renee Webb, whose department had responsibility for the deal, said at the time the tax-payer got excellent value for money because the loss-making training hotel was being handed over to a top hotelier who would invest millions to turn it into a leading tourism property.

Ms Webb launched a stinging attack on , accusing it of campaigning for the United Bermuda Party ? a charge strongly rejected by the newspaper.sstory was confirmed in detail two weeks ago by Auditor General Larry Dennis, who said in his report the tendering process was unfair and that the deal should have been re-tendered. At a Press conference on July 22 last year ? the day the story broke ? Mr. Jefferis shook his head when asked if Stonington was a sweetheart deal because he was a big PLP backer, and said if anything he was ?a PLP victim? because he had to negotiate so hard.

Two days later on election night Mr. Jefferis was spotted leaving the PLP?s Alaska Hall headquarters with Ms Webb to join the PLP victory party.