Civic-minded: Acting Chief Executive Henry Tang says he is confident that all principal officials, ExCo members and government colleagues would do their best for the stability, prosperity and development of Hong Kong.

China's State Council has approved Acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang's request to resign from his post of  Chief Secretary for Administration.

This clears the way for Mr Tsang to run in the upcoming election for a new Chief Executive.

Mr Tsang also left the post of acting Chief Executive when he resigned, and Financial Secretary Henry Tang became the Acting Chief Executive.

Speaking to the media this morning, Mr Tang confirmed the Central Government had accepted Mr Tsang's resignation.

"As the Acting Chief Executive I will continue to work closely with all the principal officials and the entire civil service and we will continue to work steadfastly to ensure the smooth functioning of the government an the social stability of our community," Mr Tang said.

"I have invited all members of the Executive Council to to stay in the office until the new Chief Executive takes office. They have all agreed to stay. Our most important task now is to make proper arrangements for the election of a new Chief Executive. We will ensure that the new Chief Executive is elected as scheduled, and smoothly, in an open and fair manner."

He added he was confident that all principal officials, ExCo members and government colleagues would do their best for the stability, prosperity and development of Hong Kong, as well as for the community.

Mr Tsang, who became the acting Chief Executive in March, tendered his resignation on May 25 to prepare for the Chief Executive election in July.