Talking Points, December 18, 2014

The new leaders of the Liberal Party host a lunch for journalists. This follows recent leadership changes in the wake of the resignation of lawmaker James Tien Pei-chun as party leader. He was replaced by Vincent Fang Kang. The new party chairman is Felix Chung Kwok-pan, who replaced long-time party member Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee. Tien's resignation followed his expulsion from China's top advisory body after he urged Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying to consider resigning.

An official funeral service is held with full honours for firefighter Leung Kwok-kei, who died after suffering injuries in a gas explosion at a flat in Shek Kip Mei Estate last month. The funeral takes place in Hung Hom. The cortege then travels to the scene of the explosion and Mong Kok fire station before heading for Gallant Garden, where Leung will be laid to rest. A resident of the flat also died. It is thought he may have committed suicide by turning on the gas in his flat.