Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has announced he will not seek re-election in order that he may take care of his family. His daughter Chai-yan is rumoured to be receiving treatment at Prince of Wales hospital.

“It was my own decision. As a husband, as a father, I have a responsibility to take care of my family,” he told reporters at a surprise press conference on Friday. “My daughter only has one father, my wife only has one husband.”

Photo: Apple Daily screenshot.

The election for the 1,200-member chief executive election committee will take place on Sunday. The city’s leadership race will take place on March 26 next year.

“Everyone in Hong Kong can see the central authorities including the top leaders of the country have been very supportive of my work all these years,” he said. He did not name who he would support as chief executive, but said he would “support whoever wins the election and whoever is capable of being appointed by the Central People’s government.”

Leung – his voice quivering – said that, if he runs for the election, “I am afraid my family may face unbearable pressure owing to my election campaign in the next few months. I must protect them on this matter.”

Leung, a former convener of the Executive Council became chief executive in 2012, after beating former chief secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen and former lawmaker Albert Ho Chun-yan.

See also: Interview: Chief Exec. hopeful Woo Kwok-hing determined to lead Hong Kong out of political stalemate

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (L) poses as he casts his vote for the district council elections as his wife Regina Tong looks on at a polling station. Photo: AFP/Anthony Wallace.

The only election hopeful thus far to announce their candidacy for election is former judge Woo Kwok-hing. Pro-establishment lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee is expected to announce her candidacy next Thursday.

A recent survey by the Democratic Party suggested that almost 70 per cent of Hong Kong people opposed his re-election.

Updates: