Hong Kong’s incoming eighth term Legislative Council has been tasked with helping drive the city’s long term development and working closely with the government to bring new energy to its policy agenda, according to Andrew Leung Kwan yuen, president of the current seventh term LegCo. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday alongside sitting lawmakers and newly elected members, Leung said he believed the next four year term would be marked by a stronger sense of cooperation, stability and policy focus.
The election for the eighth term LegCo was held on Sunday, with official results released early Monday morning. The new council will begin its term on January 1, 2026, bringing together a mix of experienced legislators and first time members. Leung said the election outcome reflected what he described as the continued momentum behind the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong, a governance framework that aims to ensure that those holding public office are committed to the city’s constitutional order and long term interests.
Leung told reporters that the newly elected council would play an important role in strengthening the foundations for Hong Kong’s future. He said the next term would offer opportunities to deepen reforms, advance economic diversification and address issues that are essential to improving livelihoods. According to him, productive collaboration between the LegCo and the HKSAR government will be key to maintaining growth and enhancing the city’s competitiveness as global economic conditions remain uncertain.
With ninety seats filled in the new term, the council includes fifty returning lawmakers and forty newcomers. Leung encouraged veteran members to guide their newly elected colleagues, helping them understand the workflow of the legislature, policy procedures and the responsibilities of overseeing government initiatives. He said that cooperation between experienced and new legislators would help ensure a smooth transition into the new term and allow the council to operate effectively from its first session.
Leung also expressed confidence that the increased diversity of backgrounds among council members would bring fresh perspectives to legislative discussions. He said that as Hong Kong continues to strengthen its role as an international financial center, a regional innovation hub and a bridge connecting mainland China with global markets, LegCo will need to deliberate on a wide range of emerging challenges. These include housing supply, economic upgrading, youth opportunities, environmental sustainability and long term integration with national development strategies.
He added that public expectations for good governance remain high and that the eighth term LegCo must remain responsive to community needs while ensuring that legislation supports stable and consistent policy execution. Leung said he hopes the new term will be defined by constructive debate, responsible decision making and a shared commitment to Hong Kong’s prosperity.
As preparations begin for the council’s transition, lawmakers will start engaging with government departments and setting priorities for the legislative agenda. The new term is expected to focus heavily on economic revival, talent development and measures that reinforce social stability, marking a pivotal period for Hong Kong’s future trajectory.
