Opposition MPs showed their displeasure at new measures to rein in City Hall by refusing to vote on two lease agreements in the House of Assembly this morning.

The leases — for Par-la-Ville car park — got the go-ahead anyway, due to support from Government MPs.

Progressive Labour Party members said they supported the leases but did not think the Legislature should have the power to give them the green light.

Amendments this year to the Municipalities Act require both municipalities to submit leases to Parliament for approval.

One of the Corporation of Hamilton leases which went before MPs today was in relation to plans for a five-star hotel and condos on the site of Par-la-Ville car park.

The development lease requires planning approval for the hotel and condos by mid-2014 — and a hotel open to paying guests by March 31, 2017.

The Opposition abstained from voting on that lease, along with a ground lease for the same site.

There were accusations of “fence sitting” from the Government side as votes were called on the ground lease.

Eleven MPs abstained and 17 were in favour. Independent MP Terry Lister was not present for the vote.

The PLP also abstained from an earlier vote on a North Street property — and that too was approved anyway.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Walter Roban signalled the Opposition’s disapproval of the amendments to the Municipalities Act, which he characterised as intrusive and placing a “sword of Damocles” over business deals.

“These are private matters between the Corporation and its partners,” Mr Roban said, voicing “vehement concerns” at the procedure.

Party colleague Walton Brown, the Shadow Education Minister, told the House that the retroactivity of the Municipalities Act was reminiscent of a “show trial” and a violation of the principles of natural justice.