Chan Po-ying
Chan Po-ying is a Hong Kong left-wing activist and the final chairperson of League of Social Democrats. She was described as one of the remaining opposition voices in the city following the 2020 [Hong Kong national security law|national security] crackdown which forced her to disband the last active pro-democracy party in Hong Kong.
Early activism
Born in British Hong Kong to a family migrated from China, Chan Po-ying came of age during the emerging social movements, such as Opposition to [United States involvement in the Vietnam War|Vietnam War protests], civil rights movement, and women's suffrage movement, and heavily influenced her views. Chan joined the Trotskyist party Revolutionary [Marxist League (Hong Kong)|Revolutionary Marxist League] in around 1975 and met Leung Kwok-hung, then a member. Her father disowned her for participating in politics, forcing Chan to work in garment factory for four years in her 20s. In the early 1980s, she attempted to form a union of garment workers but failed. In 1984 she helped forming the, before studying social work in university at 30. Chan is also dedicated to advocate labour rights and rights of women and poor, and supported the victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. She became a well-known figure in protests that support left-wing and grassroots groups.League of Social Democrats
was formed in 2006, positioning itself at the radical left-wing of the pan-democracy camp striving for better livelihood of the grassroots. Chan was one of the founding members, joining Leung Kwok-hung, Wong Yuk-man, Andrew To, and others. While not a formal grandee of the party, she was one of the key coordinators of street activism, such as protesting against constitutional reform in 2007, the Express Rail Link movement|Express Rail Link] in 2008, and in 2010 supporting the self-branded "referendum" by-election.She first ran for election in 2007 local elections representing LSD, but was defeated in Tsui Ping South constituency. After Leung Kwok-hung was re-elected in 2008 to the Legislative Council, Chan became the assistant of Leung, serving the role until Leung was Hong Kong Legislative Council [oath of office controversy|disqualified] as MP in 2017. She was also the secretary-general of LSD from 2016 to 2020, before she stood back as vice until 2021.
Final pro-democracy leader
The national security law imposed by the Chinese government to Hong Kong was seen as a blow to the city's democracy movement, and even non-political organisations were forced to disband. On 28 February 2021 amidst a crackdown on the Hong Kong 47, Leung, a candidate in the legislative primaries, was charged and remanded for subversion. Raphael Wong, chairman of the LSD, was later jailed for unauthorised assemblies during 2019 protests, and Chan Po-ying was elected party chair on 25 July 2021 at a special general meeting.Despite the continued suppression of pro-democracy camp, Chan remained committed to activism at street booths, rallying against several government's policies and budget or raising concerns on housing and elderly issues. As a result, she and other party activists were charged with illegal fundraising or posters, which they described as an oppression against freedom of speech. The bank accounts of the LSD and several party members, including Chan, were terminated in 2023. Chan accused the banks were politically motivated to make the decision. They were also found guilty of the charges and fined afterwards.
After taking the realm of the protest group, Chan was under increasing police surveillance. On one occasion she and other members were briefly detained by the police when went hiking, and on another surrounded by dozens of police at rallies. The party was also contacted by the authorities "suggesting" they do not petition to the government on politically sensitive dates.
On 29 June 2025, Chan hosted a press conference announcing the closure of the League of Social Democrats, saying she was "left with no choice" and had considered the safety of colleagues. The disbandment of the last standing pro-democracy party marks the end of opposition bloc in Hong Kong.