Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said during a press conference Monday that she will not seek a second term, citing family reasons for her retirement after working for 42 years as a public servant.
Lam, 65, said her family members believe that she has served “enough time to be back with the family.”
She said she had notified the central government about her intention to retire during the annual gatherings of national lawmakers and political advisors, known as “Two Sessions,” in March last year.
She declined to comment on any potential candidate as her successor, adding that she has not yet received any resignations from government officials. Current civil servants are required by law to resign before running for chief executive.
On Sunday, the Hong Kong-based Sing Tao Daily reported it is highly likely that John Lee Ka-chiu, the current chief secretary for administration, would run for the top post.
As the No. 2 in the Hong Kong government, Lee, 64, has a strong background in law enforcement. He has previously worked as a top police officer and secretary for security in the special administrative region.
The nomination process for the top post, which was delayed due to the latest Covid-19 outbreak, began on Sunday and will run until April 16. The election is scheduled to take place on May 8, and the next chief executive will assume the office on July 1.
Contact reporter Lu Zhenhua (zhenhualu@caixin.com) editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com)
Get our weekly free Must-Read newsletter.
