Chief Executive John Lee accepted the resignation of Housing Secretary Winnie Ho and apologised for the November 2025 Wang Fuk Court fire that killed 168 people, citing regulatory failings ahead of the independent committee report.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced on Thursday that he had accepted the resignation of Housing Secretary Winnie Ho to take political responsibility for the city's deadliest fire in decades.
The November 2025 blaze at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po killed 168 people and displaced thousands while the towers were under renovation. Lee and other principal officials bowed in apology at a press conference, with Lee saying Ho should bear political responsibility even though no personal wrongdoing was found.
An independent committee report, expected to be released the same day, identified regulatory and supervisory failings involving four government departments, with the Housing Bureau's Independent Checking Unit singled out for the greatest shortcomings in overseeing the renovation work. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will serve as acting housing secretary.
Reuters, RTHK and the South China Morning Post reported Lee's acceptance of the resignation and the planned release of the judge-led panel's findings on systemic failures in building renovation oversight. The precise recommendations and any further disciplinary steps remain as outlined in the forthcoming report.
The resignation is the first by a senior official over the inferno and comes as the government prepares legislation to criminalise bid-rigging and overhaul contractor supervision. With the formal report due Thursday and criminal cases already underway against companies and individuals involved in the renovation, the next developments will test how far accountability extends beyond the housing portfolio.
People Sentiments Public Mood: Negative
- Lee: I offer my apologies to the victims and the public
- Ho: willing to take political responsibility