Veteran Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip set to become convenor of incoming leader John Lee’s de facto cabinet, sources say
- If confirmed, Ip, 71 will be first woman to lead body of advisers that helps chief executive in policymaking
- New People’s Party chairwoman would also be first convenor with political affiliation since Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule
New People’s Party chairwoman Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee is set to become convenor of incoming Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu’s de facto cabinet, the Post has learned.
If confirmed, the 71-year-old veteran lawmaker would be the first woman to lead the Executive Council. She would also be the first convenor with political affiliation since Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
Multiple sources on Thursday said Lee, who will be sworn in on July 1, had finalised the list of non-official members for Exco, a core body he must consult before making important policy decisions and introducing bills to the Legislative Council.
A source familiar with the team formation said Ip was preferred over another incumbent member, Arthur Li Kwok-cheung, 76, and deputy director of Lee’s campaign office Raymond Tam Chi-yuen for the role.
“Both Lee and Ip headed the disciplinary services and they had close ties with each other. It’s natural for Lee to pick her as the convenor,” the source said. “The only scepticism people have about Ip is her impartiality considering her party affiliation.”
Ip, whose party currently holds five seats in the 90-strong legislature, on Thursday refused to comment on the likely appointment.
All five Executive Council convenors since the handover have been men with no party affiliations. They were the late political icon Chung Sze-yuen, former city leader Leung Chun-ying, former chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ronald Arculli, ex-minister Lam Woon-kwong and incumbent Bernard Chan, a seasoned politician and businessman.
Chan will not be part of Lee’s de facto cabinet, the Post has learned.