Hong Kong’s Legco democrats agree on their pick for president
Pro-establishment camp still tussling over who should bid to replace Jasper Tsang in hot seat
The pro-democracy camp on Wednesday put forward its most senior legislator to vie for the presidency of the new Legislative Council, as pro-establishment infighting over the post continued.
James To Kun-sun, of the Democratic Party, told the press he would run for the post after the first meeting of the democratic caucus, in which no one objected to his bid.
“I am confident I can secure more support,” To, a solicitor and a lawmaker since 1991, said. “I will be lobbying all the other 69 colleagues in Legco.”
His announcement came as Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, the front runner for the post, faced criticism – including from two of his pro-establishment allies who said he lacked a mandate.
The Business and Professionals Alliance lawmaker had been tipped to succeed outgoing president Japser Tsang Yok-sing, with the blessing of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong.
