Re-shuffle could be related to 2017 election: Ip

22-07-2015

Regina Ip says the cabinet re-shuffle may be early preparations ahead of the 2017 Chief Executive election. RTHK: file photo

The high-level re-shuffle announced on Tuesday could be an early move in preparation for the 2017 election for chief executive, Executive Councillor and chairwoman of the New People's Party, Regina Ip said.

Mrs Ip called the sudden departure of Home Affairs Secretary, Tsang Tak-sing, and Civil Service chief, Paul Tang unprecedented in Hong Kong.

Speaking to RTHK, Mrs Ip compared the re-shuffle to those introduced by British Prime Minister David Cameron ahead of last year's general election.

If Mr Tang and Mr Tsang "were pushed out rather than jumped then maybe we can take a leaf from The Economist article" detailing the cabinet reshuffle, she said.

"David Cameron made similar moves to prepare for his general election to enhance the political appeal of his new cabinet. But David Cameron put in more women and ultimately the chief executive will be judged on his political choices," Mrs Ip said

http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20150722/news_20150722_56_1117985.htm