CY Leung's Shock Announcement

Hong Kong was in shock to hear Leung would not be running again

The breaking news we never thought would happen -- Leung Chun-ying has announced that he will not run for re-election -- did happen.

He made the announcement at a hastily arranged press conference at 3.30pm this afternoon, citing family reasons.

"If I run my family will suffer unbearable pressure due to my electioneering... I must protect them," he said.

Last night he was seen at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin where his often troubled daughter, Leung Chai-yan was said to be receiving treatment for an unspecified ailment.

He cited family reasons, perhaps because of his daughter?

It is believed Leung made up his mind after consulting Beijing, and perhaps the powers that be felt it was best that he not continue leading Hong Kong for another five years.

Leung claimed his decision was not due to any lack of endorsement from Beijing, saying, "[The central government] has always supported me and said I have done a good job."

The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office also issued a statement after the announcement, saying it deeply regretted Leung's decision.

"Mr Leung has steadfastly implemented the 'one country, two systems' formula and the Basic Law since taking up office, and has made important contributions in defending national sovereignty and security," the office said, adding Beijing had always fully affirmed Leung's work.

Ray Yep Kin-man, a political scientist at City University, said the announcement, that came two days before the polls for the Election Committee, might be Beijing's way to still have a hand in influencing who will become the next chief executive.

Some pundits believe Carrie Lam has a good chance to win

"Beijing is worried about the uncertainty if pan-democrats win 300 seats in the committee and another 200 candidates who oppose Leung are returned," Yep said. "With Leung's decision not to run, the 'Anyone But CY' campaign will lose its momentum."

While many people are still trying to absorb the news that Leung is no longer in the picture, others are already speculating who will win, with some saying it will be Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee who will be making a big announcement on Thursday, or it could be Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, or Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah -- if the two make any moves to declare their candidacy.

It's basically a wide-open race, which makes it much more interesting, but the fundamental question remains -- who will lead the city for Hong Kong people's interests and not Beijing's?