Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam says she won't seek another term, citing 'unprecedented pressure' over pro-democracy protests and handling of Covid response

During a press conference on Monday, Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said she wouldn't be seeking a second term as the island's chief executive.

The decision not to run for a second term ends the political career of the man.

There is only one consideration and that is the family. I told everyone before that family is my first priority. She said that they think it is time for her to go home.

She admitted that she had faced enormous pressure during the pro-democracy protests of 2019.

She did not name specific foreign actors, but said she contended with interference of foreign forces.

The June 2020 passage of the Hong Kong Security Law, which criminalized Hong Kong's independence from China and cracked down on pro-democracy protesters, was the culmination of increasing pressure and oversight from Beijing.

A source told TVB that Hong Kong's chief secretary John Lee planned to resign in order to run to replace him.

The current term will end on June 30.