Governor set to lose Legco presidency
THE Privy Council in London has approved amendments to the Letters Patent and Royal Instructions which end the Governor's presidency of the Legislative Council.
But Mr Chris Patten's position will not be officially terminated until relevant provisions of Legco's Standing Orders are amended accordingly.
Mr Patten said at a special session with legislators yesterday that the Privy Council had approved the crucial amendments, and the administration was working closely with the council on the necessary draft Standing Orders.
''I hope those can be agreed before too long and that in due course these sessions will be under the benign and intelligent chairmanship of whoever it is that you elect to preside over your meetings,'' he said.
Legislators sitting on a subcommittee on procedural matters said members would elect a new President in due course.
Members generally wanted the incumbent Deputy President, Mr John Swaine, to stay on.
