(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today announced that she will not contest the election for the sixth-term Chief Executive.

Announcing the decision at a press conference this morning, Mrs Lam said it is based on consideration for her family.

“This is not a question of evaluating my performance or the performance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in this term. This is a question of my personal wish and aspiration, and my personal wish and aspiration is entirely based on my family consideration.”

Mrs Lam said she had earlier indicated to the central government her wish not to run for office.

“This is what I have told the Central People’s Government and they have expressed their understanding. I am taking this earliest opportunity to inform the public through the media that I would not contest the coming Chief Executive Election.”

She added that she will not talk about possible candidates for the upcoming poll.

“I cannot comment on any prospective candidate in the coming Chief Executive Election.”