Speeding up the constuction of the Northern Metropolis is the consensus among all five candidates in the New Territories North constituency in the upcoming Legislative Council elections, who spoke at a government-organised election forum on Wednesday.

Tam Chun-kwok, a district councillor representing the New Territories Association of Societies, said his organisation has served the district for decades and he hopes to use his network and experience to help the government speed up the Northern Metropolis development.

"The Northern Metropolis is Hong Kong’s new centre and economic engine,” he said.

“We already have the university town project ready to start, and many developments in the area are entering the harvest stage. I hope to join Legco and use my experience to serve residents of New Territories North and all Hongkongers."

Kent Tsang, from the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU), said he has witnessed the Northern District’s transformation from rural villages to a newly developed community, and now into the Northern Metropolis.

He said that if elected, he would focus on welfare and labour issues in line with the FTU’s mission.

"I will continue to push for better transport facilities to make travel more comfortable for residents, speed up the Northern Metropolis planning and implementation, create diverse job opportunities, and ensure sufficient medical resources for the community," he said.

Independent candidate Wilson Shum, a veteran district councillor and solicitor, said he understands the daily struggles of middle-class and grassroots residents in the Northern District who must balance long commutes with family responsibilities.

"When it comes to the Northern Metropolis, everyone knows it is the engine for Hong Kong’s future development. But we cannot wait any longer — we must speed up," he said.

"I will use my professional expertise to help the government draft dedicated legislation to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis."

Michael Liu, a district councillor from the New People’s Party, said his party has always upheld the principles of serving the community wholeheartedly and taking a practical, step-by-step approach — starting from the villages, building roots in the community, and moving into the council.

"I will work with full effort to turn the Northern Metropolis from a blueprint into reality, so that residents in New Territories North can truly experience the improvements it brings," he said.

DAB district councillor Yiu Ming said before the Northern Metropolis initiative, the New Territories North had long been seen as Hong Kong’s remote backyard, with slow development, poor transport planning, and limited job opportunities.

"The Northern Metropolis plan offers a valuable opportunity for the region, but the key is ensuring that local residents benefit from it. Beyond development, what matters most is how we can build a community where residents of Tin Shui Wai and the Northern District can live and work happily," he said.

A total of 39 “Patriots Collaborate for Good Governance” election forums are being organised by the government, covering the geographical, functional and Election Committee constituencies.

All the forums will be broadcast live on RTHK TV31 and RTHK Radio 1.