Ex-broadcaster Tom Clark yesterday said he would not resign from his $205,000-a year post as New York Consul amid criticism he lied to a parliamentary committee. Members of the Commons government operations committee said Clark was deliberately evasive over his role in the purchase of a luxury Manhattan penthouse at taxpayers’ expense.

“I did not seek nor had the opportunity to exert influence,” testified Clark. The new penthouse near New York’s Central Park cost taxpayers $8.8 million with monthly condo fees and taxes of US$15,213 a month.

Documents show Clark complained an existing Park Avenue penthouse used by his predecessors was “not suitable” and required “immediate replacement.” Clark had repeatedly claimed he had no interest or involvement in his accommodation that includes a marble bathroom, quartzite flooring and $4,600 German-made coffeemaker.

“I had no role whatsoever,” Clark testified September 12. “I did not involve myself in any way.”