John Lee confirms Dec 7 LegCo poll will go ahead, calls election ‘vital for rebuilding’

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has confirmed that the Legislative Council election scheduled for December 7 will proceed as planned, saying the city cannot halt its institutional functions in the wake of the devastating five-alarm fire at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court.

Speaking before the Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, Lee said that while rescue, support and recovery efforts remain the government’s top priority, Hong Kong must also “move forward steadily” to ensure that long-term reforms can begin without delay.

He described lawmakers as the government’s “most crucial partners” in the upcoming overhaul of building safety and regulatory systems following the tragedy, which has left at least 151 people dead.

Election to proceed in line with law and long-term responsibilities

Lee stressed that the decision to hold the vote as scheduled was rooted in respect for constitutional order and the rule of law, noting that election dates and procedures are set out clearly in legislation.

He said rescue operations “will not pause, will not overlook any individual, and will not abandon any family,” adding that support for affected households “will only increase, not decrease.”

But he emphasized that Hong Kong must also look beyond immediate relief.

“At this critical moment of rebuilding and preventing similar incidents, the government must keep sight of the long term,” he said. “Steady progress in society’s normal operations” required the election to proceed as scheduled.

Lee argued that completing the election swiftly would allow the administration to concentrate its efforts on post-disaster work.

“The next stage of assisting victims and launching reforms will require the full participation of Legislative Council members,” he said.

Lawmakers needed to drive systemic reform

Lee said newly elected legislators would have a “deep sense of mission,” having witnessed the city’s collective sorrow.

He said they would be responsible for scrutinizing funding, reviewing government proposals and passing laws to strengthen building safety and renovation oversight.

“The most needed reform partners will undoubtedly be Legislative Council members,” he said, adding that they had all “experienced this fire and felt the pain.”

According to Lee, electing “capable, committed and aspiring” lawmakers as soon as possible would accelerate deliberations on structural reforms, funding allocations, and policy proposals aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

“Completing the election quickly will allow support for victims to be more focused and more determined,” he said.

Turning grief into unity

Lee described the tragedy as a moment that tested Hong Kong’s resilience and unity. He said society had tasted “the bitterness of loss” but must also “develop the perseverance to move forward.”

“Difficulties will not crush us; they will only make us stronger. Challenges will not block our path; they will only make us more united,” he said.

Lee urged the public to stand together as Hong Kong rebuilds both physically and emotionally. He called on the city to “gather strength from sorrow” and to act with a shared spirit of unity to build “a better home for Hong Kong.”