Beijing removes Hong Kong housing chief Winnie Ho after Tai Po fire resignation

Beijing has formally removed Hong Kong’s housing chief, Winnie Ho Wing-yin, from her post, after she resigned last week to take political responsibility for the deadly Tai Po fire.

According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, the State Council removed Ho from office on Tuesday on the recommendation of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. The announcement gave no reason for the decision and did not name a successor.

In a government statement, Lee said Ho had indicated she would “shoulder the political accountability” for the fire and praised her dedication to implementing his housing policies.

“As she officially leaves her post today, I wish her all the best in her future endeavours and a healthy life,” he said.

Ho is the only bureau-head-level official to have resigned over the fire. Lee had said she should assume political accountability, even though no personal wrongdoing had been identified.

Deputy financial secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun has been serving concurrently as acting secretary for housing since Ho’s departure.