John Lee Ka-chiu government


The administration of John Lee Ka-chiu as Chief Executive of Hong Kong, officially referred to as "The 6th term Chief Executive of Hong Kong", relates to the period of governance of Hong Kong headed by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, starting from 1 July 2022.

Background and election

With the legislating of the National Security Law constraining the pro-democracy movement and the opposition camp, there was virtually no opposition in Hong Kong. Legislation were passed in the legislature without obstacle, especially after 2021 election which saw electoral changes being implemented afterwards, affecting the composition of the Legislative Council.
In the 2022 Chief Executive election, John Lee, promoted from Secretary for Security to Chief Secretary for Administration a year ago, received the approval of the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee to stand in the election and was the sole candidate of the leadership race, backed by the pro-Beijing camp. Receiving 99% of votes in the 1,461-member Election Committee, Lee was chosen as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong.
Lee received the appointment from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on 30 May 2022.

Cabinet

It was reported on 16 June 2022 that John Lee had decided on the members of his Executive Council. The official list was announced on 19 June after the State Council approved the nominations by Lee. Four of the senior officials were under the United States sanctions after the imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, including Chief Secretary nominee Eric Chan, former Directior of Immigration. One-third of the cabinet ministers are from the civil service, although the two highest-ranking positions were occupied by former officers from Disciplined Services. Some believed the government will continue its focus on public and national security.
The Legislative Council passed a government restructuring package on 15 June, adding new deputies to the Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary and Secretary for Justice, as proposed by incoming Chief Executive John Lee. Two new bureaux were created, with some existing revamped to transfer responsibilities to the new departments.

Other posts

Executive Council non-official members

The new members of the Executive Council were announced on 22 June 2022.
MembersAffiliationPortfolioAssumed officeLeft officeBorn inRef
NPPNon-official Convenor of the ExCo
Legislative Council Member & Chairlady of NPP
1 July 2017Incumbent1950
NonpartisanMember of the Committee for the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the NPCSC1 July 2012Incumbent1945
BPALegislative Council Member & Vice-Chairman of BPA17 October 2012Incumbent1951
LiberalLegislative Council Member, Chairman of Liberal Party25 November 2016Incumbent1949
NonpartisanLegislative Council Member25 November 2016Incumbent1957
NonpartisanExecutive Vice President of the China Society for Finance and Banking1 July 2017Incumbent1948
Path of DemocracySenior Counsel & Convenor of Path of Democracy1 July 2017Incumbent1950
NonpartisanChairman of the Elderly Commission1 July 2017Incumbent1960
BPALegislative Council Member & Chairman of Heung Yee Kuk1 July 2017Incumbent1966
NonpartisanPracticing solicitor
Chairman of the Council of HSUHK
1 July 2022Incumbent1950
NonpartisanTreasurer of HKU
Former CEO of Hang Seng Bank Limited
1 July 2022Incumbent1952
NonpartisanLegislative Council Member1 July 2022Incumbent1954
NonpartisanMember of the National Committee of CPPCC1 July 2022Incumbent1957
NonpartisanFormer Secretary for Food and Health1 July 2022Incumbent1957
FTULegislative Council Member & President of FTU1 July 2022Incumbent1970
DABLegislative Council Member & Vice-Chairman of DAB1 July 2022Incumbent1976

Reshuffles

December 2024

Lee reshuffled his cabinet on 5 December 2024, beginning with the dismissals of the secretaries for the culture and transport bureaux. Director of Housing Rosanna Law succeeded Kevin Yeung as the new Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, who was under fire in recent months over the push for "mega-event economy" and rebuilding Hong Kong’s post-pandemic tourism appeal, such as the Messi's Mess. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung was replaced by Mable Chan, the permanent secretary of the bureau. Lee evaded questions on the reasons behind the reshuffle, but mentioned his wishes for "a team and secretaries that will be able to deliver what I have in mind" and to "create the best result in the shortest period of Hong Kong" after time was lost because of COVID and the 2019 "riots". He also praised the two new secretaries for having "reform mindsets".
While Yeung was embattled for some months, the reshuffle still came as a surprise. Sources quoted by the media said the two ministers were only told of their dismissal a day before the announcement. It was later reported that Lee intended to fire the two ministers earlier that year for their "poor performance and inability to steer sectors seen as crucial to the city’s reputation and economic growth", and at once even considering sacking the environment minister Tse Chin-wan after the waste charging scheme failed. However, the leader held off the reshuffle to project a strong image of governance as the national security legislation was under way. During a media interview over half a year later, Lee said his new administration supports his ideal, hinting that the reshuffle could be related to the duo's self-centred ego.
Non-principal officials are italicised.
Colour key

January 2026

Ming Pao published a front page report on 22 January 2026 that housing minister Winnie Ho and constitutional minister Erick Tsang could be leaving their positions "shortly". Other local reports indicated that the reshuffle could involve Development Secretary Bernadette Linn, another minister, and a deputy secretary. The shakeup could happen around Lunar New Year and before Two Sessions in China. The removals are believed to be unrelated with the Wang Fuk Court fire as John Lee reportedly told his ministers at morning prayer session that actions against officials would be taken after the independent review committee conducted the probe.
State media announced on 27 January 2026 that Erick Tsang had been removed from the position of Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs. Tsang later confirmed that he had resigned earlier on health basis. Undersecretary Clement Woo was appointed as the acting minister. John Lee added that he has no further plans to replace other ministers, and that the rumours are not facts.