Former lawmaker Chu Hoi-dick has announced that he's leaving politics and disbanding his political group, as he prepares for a long time behind bars over a number of criminal cases he's facing.

The pro-democracy politician is among 47 activists charged under the national security law for their alleged involvement in primary polls for Legco elections last year that were eventually scrapped.

In a social media post, Chu, who’s currently on remand, said he believes he won't be freed for a long time, as he’s also facing five other criminal charges.

He said he decided to end his "Team Chu Hoi-dick of New Territories West" group after consulting other members.

"Ah Dick will never forget the beautiful times he spent working together with his comrades. He wishes everybody peace," the statement read.

Chu secured a landslide victory in the 2016 Legislative Council elections. Dubbed the “king of votes”, he won more ballots than any other candidates in the polls five years ago.

Several members of his political group also became district councillors after winning elections in 2019.