A senior mainland official on Thursday endorsed the Hong Kong government's handling of the Tai Po fire, while backing plans to hold the Legislative Council elections as scheduled.

At a Constitution Day seminar, Liu Guangyuan, the deputy director of Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong, said the central government attaches great importance to and is deeply concerned about the tragedy.

He said Chief Executive John Lee and the SAR government responded strongly and effectively to the sudden disaster.

He said support came quickly from both the government and the community, spanning Hong Kong and the mainland, showing powerful solidarity in getting through this difficult time.

"Chief Executive John Lee has announced that the Legislative Council election will proceed as planned on December 7, emphasizing that this is an adherence to and respect for constitutional order and the spirit of the rule of law. It is a strong support for maintaining social stability and post-disaster reconstruction work. It is also the most responsible attitude toward Hong Kong’s future," Liu said.

"I believe that with joint efforts from all sides, Hong Kong will certainly be able to handle both disaster relief and the election well, and will surely gather the strength to unite as one and move forward with courage.”

Liu also accused "people with ulterior motives” of spreading lies and deliberately stoking division in an attempt to cause chaos in Hong Kong in the wake of the disaster.