Speaking on a daily press briefing today, Lam announced that she will not run in the coming Chief Executive election.

She said that her current term will end on June 30, wrapping up her 42 years of public service.

She added that she had informed Beijing last year that she wouldn’t run for a second five-year term on May 8.

She also thanked Beijing and various state organs, such as the liaison office, for their support in the past five years.

Lam noted that the decision was personal and entirely based on family considerations.

“There’s only one consideration and that is family. I have told everyone before that family is my first priority in terms of my consideration. They think it’s time for me to go home,” she said.

With three months left in her current term, the Hong Kong leader said she will continue to lead her administration to fight the city’s fifth wave of the Covid outbreak and prepare for the handover.

Authorities will also make all the necessary preparations for the Chief Executive election and a series of events celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

Meanwhile, Lam declined to comment on reports that her number two official, John Lee Ka-chiu, will throw his hat into the ring for CE, saying she hasn't received any resignation letters from senior officials.

Hong Kongers currently have little clarity on who will be their next leader.

The chief executive position is not popularly elected, and will be selected by a 1,500-strong election committee, the equivalent of 0.02 percent of the city's 7.4 million population.

The city's next leader will be chosen on May 8 but so far no one with a realistic prospect has publicly thrown their hat into the ring.