(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Secretary John Lee today tendered his resignation to Chief Executive Carrie Lam and indicated his plan to stand for the sixth-term Chief Executive Election.

Announcing his decision at a media session this afternoon, Mr Lee said: “This afternoon, I tendered to the Chief Executive my resignation from the post of the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and requested her to seek the approval of my resignation by the Central People's Government (CPG) under Article 48(5) of the Basic Law.

“I indicated in the letter the reason for my resignation is that if my resignation is approved by the CPG, I shall plan to prepare to stand for the upcoming Chief Executive election.”

Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to Mrs Lam for appointing him as the Secretary for Security in July 2017 and as the Chief Secretary in June 2021, as well as his appreciation to the politically-appointed team members for their co-operation.

He also thanked members of the Legislative Council, government boards and committees, organisations, institutions and groups who worked with him, and especially the people of Hong Kong.

“Having been in the Government for over 40 years to serve the people of Hong Kong is a glory.

“I would also like to make use of this opportunity to thank all members of the civil service with whom we have worked together over the long years.”

Mr Lee, who now goes on leave, added that he will go into more detail about his next move once his resignation is approved.