Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday said he accepted the resignation of Winnie Ho as secretary for housing, saying she took political responsibility for last year's Wang Fuk Court fire that killed 168 people.

At a press conference on Thursday, Lee and other principal officials also apologised and bowed.

"As chief executive and head of the government, I am deeply saddened. On behalf of the SAR government, I offer my apologies to the victims and the public at large," Lee said in his opening remarks.

He added that while Ho committed no personal wrongdoing, she must bear political responsibility as secretary for housing.

"I have considered a wide range of factors, including the official's role in the matter, the official's policy portfolio and its relation with the incident, whether the problem relates to policy or execution, the performance of the subordinates, the large amount of work the political team will have to do in the time ahead," Lee said.

"Considering that the fire took place in Wang Fuk Court and it falls within the purview of the Housing Department's [Independent Checking Unit], which is under the Housing Bureau, the secretary for housing should take political accountability," he added.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will serve as acting secretary for housing.
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Last updated: 2026-10-29 HKT 16:48



Edited by Aaron Tam