Hong Kong ministers defend decision not to resign over deadly Tai Po fire

Ministers have defended their decision not to step down over the deadly Tai Po fire, insisting they are putting Hong Kong’s well-being ahead of personal considerations.

A senior official also hinted that a successor might not be named to replace Winnie Ho Wing-yin, who resigned as housing minister to take political accountability for the city’s deadliest disaster in decades.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun, who is now serving as acting housing minister, apologised alongside three cabinet colleagues on Friday as they unveiled details of reforms aimed at preventing a repeat of the tragedy.