Pan-democrats failed for a third time yesterday to gain backing for a Legco inquiry into the chief executive's acceptance of tycoons' favours.
But now they plan to aim higher and seek his impeachment.
After a five-hour debate yesterday, lawmakers defeated a motion to invoke Legco's special powers to investigate Donald Tsang Yam-kuen.
The motion was launched by Lee Wing-tat, of the Democratic Party, and Cyd Ho Sau-lan, of the Labour Party. After the vote, Labour members said they would discuss the next move with fellow pan-democrats.
Non-affiliated legislator Paul Tse Wai-chun, who has long called for a motion of impeachment, said he still supported the effort.
'An impeachment is actually the most appropriate thing to do towards a chief executive who has been found with so many problems.
'The public feel strongly towards the matter, and as responsible legislators we should respond to the anger. I sincerely hope that pan-democrats will support me on the motion [for impeachment].'