Hong Kong political assistant Caspar Tsui has stepped down, media reports say

The home affairs minister's political assistant, Caspar Tsui Ying-wai, has resigned to help with the operation of his party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, according to media reports.

RTHK and Oriental Daily both reported the news of Tsui's departure online last night. An insider said the move could be related to the Legislative Council election next year, as the 38-year-old member of the Beijing-loyal DAB was tipped as a possible candidate to succeed party chairman Tam Yiu-chung's seat in the New Territories West.

"Tam would like to groom Tsui as his [successor], but some members in Tuen Mun do not like it," the insider said. "But I would doubt whether you need to start preparing for an election this early."

In 2008, DAB member Gary Chan Hak-kan resigned as special assistant at the Chief Executive's Office four months before winning the Legco election.

Citing that example, the insider said: "You only need to resign five to six months in advance, and it should be enough. It is also unnecessary if it is for the district council elections [in November], because if you [indicate your interest] at this early stage, it will only bring you trouble" from political rivals.

Apart from Tsui, DAB vice-chairman Brave Chan Yung was also regarded as a possible candidate to fill Tam's lawmaker seat.