Government reshuffle in the works, say reports

Hong Kong’s number two official, Matthew Cheung, is being allowed to bow out of Carrie Lam’s administration by Beijing, local media reported on Friday.

The 70-year-old Chief Secretary will be replaced by Secretary for Security John Lee in a reshuffle that is reportedly being considered by the State Council.

Police chief Chris Tang will take over as secretary for security, with one of his deputies, Raymond Siu, assuming the post of police commissioner.

It’s also being reported that Chief Executive Carrie Lam and about 60 other senior officials and public figures will travel to Beijing on Monday for the start of celebrations to mark next month’s 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party.

Cheung will serve as acting chief executive in Lam’s absence.

Cheung has served as chief secretary since 2017. Prior to his appointment as the city’s number two official, he served for a decade as the secretary for labour and welfare.