The Liberal Party on Thursday unveiled a five-member slate for December’s Legislative Council election, featuring two incumbents and what party leaders described as a “young squad” ready to serve Hong Kong.
Party chairman Peter Shiu Ka-fai and vice-chairman Michael Lee Chun-keung will both seek re-election — Shiu in the wholesale and retail functional constituency, and Lee in the Election Committee constituency.
Notably, Southern District Councillor Jonathan Leung Chun will succeed veteran lawmaker Tommy Cheung Yu-yan in contesting the catering sector seat. The lineup also includes Eastern District Councillor Yuen Kin-chung and Central and Western District Councillor Jeremy Young Chit-on, who will run in the Hong Kong Island East and Hong Kong Island West constituencies, respectively.
With the team’s average age under 50, Shiu characterized it as a rejuvenated, energetic team aimed at bringing fresh perspectives to the legislature.
Shiu, highlighting ongoing challenges in the wholesale and retail sector, reiterated his commitment to revitalizing local consumption and tourism. He also expressed gratitude for the sector’s long-term support, saying he was determined to “help the industry regain its confidence.”
Asked about possible competition from Annie Tse Yau On-yee, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, Shiu welcomed the contest, noting the two have been “good friends for many years.”
Responding to questions about the all-male lineup, Cheung said the party’s candidate choices were based on capability rather than gender, joking that “many of the female leaders already play key roles behind the scenes.”
Cheung declined to comment on speculation that Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung might also join the race, saying only that he would speak on candidate matters “when appropriate.”
Speaking to reporters, LegCo hopeful Yuen said he hoped to bring “genuine local voices” to the legislature, focusing particularly on the needs of the middle and sandwich class, whom he believes have been neglected in policymaking.
He also stressed the importance of improving youth upward mobility and tackling social challenges arising from an aging population.
Meanwhile, Yuen’s fellow party member Young said he would draw on his previous experience in district council elections and community service to better represent public concerns, pledging to help build “a more vibrant and opportunity-filled Hong Kong.”
