Hong Kong security minister John Lee promoted to chief secretary, police head Chris Tang fills cabinet post in move reflecting focus on law and order

The elevation of Lee and the city’s police commissioner comes as the implementation of landmark electoral changes looms

Extensive experience across a range of areas ‘not a prerequisite’, Carrie Lam says of decision to greatly expand Lee’s portfolio

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(From left) New police commissioner Raymond Siu, Chief Secretary John Lee, Chief Executive Carrie Lam and security secretary Chris Tang meet the press. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 11:09am, 25 Jun 2021Updated: 8:05pm, 26 Jun 2021

Hong Kong’s security minister John Lee Ka-chiu was sworn in as chief secretary on Friday while police chief Chris Tang Ping-keung took over his previous portfolio, both promotions reflecting the administration’s greater emphasis on law and order.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the moves, the second major reshuffle of her administration, would set a good foundation for the next government as she dismissed concerns that Lee, a former police officer, lacked policy experience to be Hong Kong’s No 2 official.

Lam said all promotions were on merit and society should not overspeculate on reasons for the move as she defended his credentials, pointing out he had been in government since 2012.

Raymond Siu Chak-yee, 55, succeeded Tang as police chief, rising from his deputy role. All three were appointed by Beijing and took up their new posts immediately after they were sworn in by Lam at Government House on Friday.

Hong Kong security chief John Lee (left) has been elevated to replace Matthew Cheung (right) as chief secretary, the city’s No 2 position. Photo: Nora Tam

Lee met senior administrative officers who helm bureaus as soon as he was appointed while Tang bade farewell to his police colleagues as both he and Siu met the force’s unions.

Analysts said the new appointments, which had to be approved by Beijing, indicated the central government was prioritising law and order in Hong Kong, with major political events ahead, including three elections in the coming months, the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to China and the likely roll-out of another piece of security legislation, Article 23.