A row over an unauthorised roof extension and other violations of building regulations at the multimillion dollar home of Hong Kong’s new minister for justice looks at first sight like the archetypal storm in a teacup.

But the controversy over top lawyer Teresa Cheng’s home has highlighted the depth of political discord in the Chinese territory, as Beijing intensifies its control over the semi-autonomous city, prompting Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam to bemoan the lack of talented people willing to suffer the vicissitudes of public office.

On the day that Ms Cheng was appointed last week, Hong Kong media revealed that the two neighbouring houses that she shares with her husband incorporated several unauthorised structures, stirring up memories of a previous scandal that halted the career of Henry Tang, a leading local politician.