Emotional moment: Donald Tsang announces his resignation as Chief Secretary for Administration, thanking his civil service colleagues for their hard work during his four decades in Government.

Donald Tsang has resigned as Chief Secretary for Administration to run in the Chief Executive election. He has also been acting as Chief Executive since Tung Chee Hwa's resignation in March.

His resignation request was submitted to the State Council today for its consideration, and he has taken immediate leave.

In accordance with the Basic Law, Financial Secretary Henry Tang is now Acting Chief Executive, and Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen is Acting Chief Secretary.

Great pride

Announcing his resignation this evening, Mr Tsang described it as an emotional moment. He hailed the professionalism of his civil service colleagues during his four decades in Government, and thanked them for their hard work.

"The professionalism rendered by my colleagues over the years has been a source of great pride to me. It more often than not exceeded my expectations," he said.

Henry Tang said the Government respects Mr Tsang's decision to resign, and hailed his long history of public service.

Mr Tang said he will now focus on working with senior officials to ensure Hong Kong's continued prosperity and social stability. He said he will also work to ensure the Chief Executive election is run smoothly.