Veteran Hong Kong lawmakers Tommy Cheung and Chan Kin-por to step down

Veteran lawmakers Tommy Cheung Yu-yan and Chan Kin-por have announced that they will not run in the coming Legislative Council election in December, concluding their decades-long tenures in the legislature.

Cheung and Chan revealed their decision on Saturday ahead of the nomination period, which will start on October 24, for the eighth Legco election scheduled for December 7.

The two join a growing list of Legco veterans who have announced that they will not seek re-election.

Cheung, 76, who has been a lawmaker since 2000 and currently represents the catering sector, said he made his decision after considering various factors.

“Taking into account the development of ‘one country, two systems’ and the needs of the catering industry, after careful consideration with my Liberal Party colleagues, family, friends and business partners, I have decided not to run in the eighth Legislative Council election,” Cheung said in a social media post.

The lawmaker said he was grateful for the affection and support of the catering industry and the people of Hong Kong.

He added that he would continue to be a voice for the industry and the public after leaving Legco and contribute to the city’s development in other ways.