Winnie Ho 'willing to take political responsibility'

Winnie Ho, who resigned as secretary for housing over the Wang Fuk Court fire, said she was willing to bear political responsibility for the deadly blaze. In a statement, Ho said she met with Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday and tendered her resignation, which Lee accepted. Ho also said the government's reform measures, based on the independent committee's report, demonstrate a strong determination to confront the complex and longstanding problems exposed by the fire. "Since July 1, 2022, I have fought side by side with the Housing Bureau team, working hard to reverse the longstanding housing problems that have plagued Hong Kong for years," she said. Ho also listed achievements during her tenure, including the rapid construction of light public housing, shortening waiting times for public housing, tackling substandard subdivided units and clamping down on public housing abuse. She said she felt deeply honoured to have served Hong Kong over the past four years, and expressed gratitude to the central government, the chief executive and the entire government team for their trust and support. Ho also said she hopes those who were killed in the blaze can rest in peace and their families can move forward and recover from their grief. Edited by Edmond Fong