Radical members of the Democratic Party have expressed disappointment that unionist Lau Chin-shek resigned from the post of vice-chairman which he won on Sunday.
Andrew To Kwan-hang, one of the Young Turks within the party, said yesterday that highlighting their discontent through Mr Lau's bid was only the first step to push for reforms and to increase their participation.
'I think we have to stay calm now and have time to think it through. People outside see us as confrontational. But in fact we hope to bring in improvements in a harmonious manner,' Mr To said.
Dissatisfaction among radicals in the party has been growing. The leadership has been accused of being too middle-class and distant from grassroot issues.
Mr Lau wrote to chairman Martin Lee Chu-ming yesterday to resign. As chairman of the Confederation of Trade Unions, Mr Lau said his commitment was to labour rights and union work.
Mr Lau defeated incumbent vice-chairman Anthony Cheung Bing-leung by a narrow margin on Sunday.