An Opposition MP has claimed the Government’s decision to appoint a representative in Europe without advertising the post “goes against best practice”.

Michael Dunkley, of the One Bermuda Alliance, said the opportunity should have been made available to as many people as possible.

He also accused the Progressive Labour Party administration of a lack of accountability after “incomplete” answers from David Burt, the Premier, about the appointment.

Ms Webb, a former PLP government minister, was unveiled as Bermuda’s representative to the European Union when the Government opened its office in the Belgian capital of Brussels last month.

Details about the one-year post were provided by Mr Burt on Friday in response to parliamentary questions from Mr Dunkley.

The Opposition member asked if the position was advertised and requested further details if it had been.

Mr Burt replied, in a written response: “No.”

Mr Dunkley said: “Premier Burt should inform the taxpayer why the position was filled without advertising.

“The decision to do so goes against best practice and raises many questions.

“In spite of the appearance that Renée Webb has been lobbying for this position for some months, it is appropriate that the position be advertised to cast the net as wide as possible and to give qualified Bermudians an opportunity to apply.”

He also requested “complete details of her employment package, including housing allowance, travel expenses and any other benefits”.

Mr Burt said Ms Webb’s annual salary was $156,864 and that travel expenses were covered in line with the terms and conditions of public-service consultant contracts.

But Mr Dunkley claimed that answer was incomplete.

He said: “The questions of housing allowance and any other benefits were left unanswered. Why?

“The lack of complete and comprehensive answers once again shows a lack of accountability and transparency by the PLP as government and makes one wonder if there is something to hide.

“This flies in the face of their support for accountability and transparency while in Opposition.”

Mr Dunkley added: “Finally, the Budget for the current financial year — 2018-19 — showed no line item for the Brussels office.

“Will a supplementary request for funds have to be tabled in the House or have funds been found from another area?”

The Government was contacted for comment yesterday.

Mr Burt opened the Brussels office on January 25 to strengthen Bermuda’s relationships with the EU in the wake of extensive negotiations last year on economic substance and as Britain prepares to leave the organisation.

Mr Burt said the island needed more than “shuttle diplomacy” and that Ms Webb, a former tourism minister who has a background in international relations and international human rights law, would also liaise with Bermuda’s London office.

Ms Webb has provided updates on Twitter about some of her work since then, including meetings with other Overseas Territories representatives.

She wrote online yesterday: “I am not a 9 to 5 person. I am found dining with associates way past 10pm. Early breakfast or drinks at 6pm. Working on weekends. No overtime pay.

“I live for the satisfaction of getting the job done. Accomplishing tasks and helping folks gets me out bed! A beautiful life.”

Jamahl Simmons, the Minister Without Portfolio, said yesterday that Mr Dunkley had asked about the Brussels Office during the 2018 Budget Debate “and was informed at that time that the funding for the Brussels Office had been set aside within the budget for the London Office”.

Mr Simmons said: “The former premier remarked at the time ‘We have vital challenges to face in our overseas negotiations and relationships with people. So I accept that 11 per cent increase.”

He added: “It is understandable that the Opposition would seek to talk about anything but the fact that Government has achieved the first Budget surplus in 17 years and that the national debt will fall this year for the first time since 2003.”