Hong Kong Financial Secretary resigns to run for Chief Executive job

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong's Financial Secretary John Tsang has resigned his post pending an announcement he will run for the city's top job next March, Cable TV news reported on Monday.

The resignation ends months of speculation on whether 65-year-old Tsang, currently topping popularity polls, wanted to run for Chief Executive of Hong Kong. It comes after unpopular incumbent Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying announced last Friday that he would not stand for a second five-year term.

Affectionately known as "Uncle Pringles" for his signature moustache, the U.S.-educated lover of fencing and martial arts has served as the former British colony's finance minister since July 2007.

Candidates running for Chief Executive have to be vetted by a 1,200-strong Election Committee, which will be formed in December.

REUTERS