Leung Chun-ying, named yesterday to succeed Chung Sze-yuen as the Executive Council's convenor, promised to improve the openness of the top advisory body.
But he said there would be no introduction of a ministerial system or change to the rules of collective responsibility and confidentiality.
The appointment of Mr Leung, an Exco member since the handover, will take effect when Dr Chung's term ends on June 30.
The choice was something of a surprise. Mr Leung ranks third in seniority after Yang Ti Liang, a former chief justice. Other Exco members tipped as possible successors to Dr Chung were Rosanna Wong Yick-ming and Charles Lee Yeh-kwong.
Mr Leung, 45, who owns his own property and surveying company, said his role would be to liaise and co-ordinate with the nine Exco members who are not government officials. There will be a total of 13 Exco members when Dr Chung leaves, one less than now.
Mr Leung played down speculation Exco had been at odds with senior civil servants on various issues. 'It would be unhealthy if we had only one view,' he said.
He said more openness was needed to allow the public to understand government policies better, but said there was no need for a ministerial system in the near term.
