Hong Kong Leader Bows Out Early

Hong Kong's first post-colonial leader, Tung Chee-hwa, bowed out of office prematurely yesterday, prompting claims of a victory for the pro-democracy movement that brought hundreds of thousands of protesters on to the streets in the past two years.

The unpopular chief executive said he was resigning because of fatigue. "My health is not as good as it used to be. I can't stand up for long," he told a news conference.

But despite his denials, it is believed the former shipping tycoon has been fired by his Communist masters in Beijing, who watched with alarm as a once-apolitical population joined huge demonstrations against Mr Tung's leadership and in favour of greater democracy.

"The fact that he is stepping down is a response to public opinion because so many people marched in 2003 and 2004. It shows that demonstrations and protests do have an effect," said legislator Emily Lau. "This is bowing to the will of the people."

She called Britain to scrutinise the selection of a successor to ensure Hong Kong's autonomy was respected.

A new leader will be chosen within six months.

Mr Tung's demise is an embarrassment to the Communist politburo, which backed him through several crises, including his mishandling of the Sars epidemic and a botched attempt to push through an anti-subversion law.