Quick Information

Composition of LegCo
Composition of LegCo

LegCo is composed of 90 Members:

  • 40

    returned by the Election Committee

  • 30

    returned by functional constituencies

  • 20

    returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections

Functions of LegCo
Functions of LegCo

Three main functions of LegCo:


  • Enact lawsEnact laws
  • Approve public expenditureApprove public expenditure
  • Monitor the work of the GovernmentMonitor the work of the Government
Council Meetings
Council Meetings

LegCo normally meets every Wednesday in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex to discuss government policies, proposed new laws and current issues.

LegCo Session at a Glance
LegCo Session at a Glance

2023 legislative session:

  • 34
    Council meetings held
  • 313
    Council meeting hours
  • 35
    Bills passed
  • $143
    billion
    Public expenditure approved
  • 1 216
    Cases concluded under the Redress System

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Historical Development of the Legislature

Detailed version

1843-1845 Founding of Legislative Council

1843

LegCo was established and composed of the Governor and three Official Members.

1844

The first sitting was held and the first Hong Kong Ordinance was passed.

1845

The first version of Standing Orders and Rules for the Legislative Council of Hong Kong was adopted.

1846-1944 Early development of the Legislature

1850

The first two Unofficial Members were appointed.

1880

The first Chinese Unofficial Member was appointed.

1888

Under the revised Letters Patent, the Governor was required not only to seek the advice but also the consent of LegCo in enacting laws.

1890

It is not known when the Hong Kong Hansard was first published but copies existed from 1890 onwards.

1941

Japanese occupation of Hong Kong – LegCo sitting was adjourned until further notice.

1945-1983 Development of the Legislature after war years

1946

After the surrender of Japan, LegCo resumed and held its first sitting on 1 May 1946.

1963

The Office of the Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils (“UMELCO”) was established.

1964

For the first time, the numbers of Official Members and Unofficial Members were the same.

1965

The first female Unofficial Member was appointed.

1972

Chinese, in addition to English, was permitted at Council sittings.

1976

The first “grassroots” LegCo Member was appointed.

1984-1997 The Legislature before the Handover

1984

The Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong was signed.

1985

The first indirect election of LegCo Members was held.

1985

(1985) LegCo took over occupation of the former Supreme Court Building in Central.

1985

(1985) The Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance (Cap. 382) was enacted.

1991

The first LegCo direct election was held.

1993

The Governor ceased to be the President of LegCo.

1994

The statutory Legislative Council Commission was established.

1995

The first fully elected Legislature was composed of 60 Members.

1996-1998 Transitional years

1996

The Provisional LegCo was established as an interim Legislature for Hong Kong.

1997

The last LegCo under British rule ended. The HKSAR was established and the Basic Law came into effect.

1998 and onwards Legislative Council of the HKSAR

1998

The First LegCo of the HKSAR was established.

2008

The constitutional reform package put forward in 2005 was vetoed. The composition of the Fourth LegCo (2008-2012) remained unchanged.

2010

LegCo endorsed the constitutional reform package on the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and for forming LegCo in 2012.

2011

LegCo was relocated to the LegCo Complex in Admiralty in October 2011.

2012

The constitutional reform package put forward in 2010 was endorsed. The Fifth LegCo (2012-2016) was composed of 70 Members.

2014

The Policy on Access to the Legislature’s Documents and Records was formulated.

2015

The electoral reform package was vetoed. The method for selecting the Chief Executive in 2012 would continue to be adopted in 2017.

2016

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress made an interpretation of Article 104 of the Basic Law on oath-taking.

2017

Resolutions to amend 50 Rules in the Rules of Procedure were passed.

2019

The LegCo Complex was intruded and vandalized by demonstrators.

2020

The general election for the Seventh LegCo was postponed in view of the COVID-19 epidemic situation. The Sixth LegCo continued to discharge its duties until the commencement of the Seventh LegCo.

2021

Annex II to the Basic Law, which specifies the method for the formation of LegCo, was amended.

2021

(2021) The rules and practices of LegCo were reviewed in phases. Resolutions to amend the Rules of Procedure were passed and amendments to the House Rules were endorsed.

2022

The method for the formation of LegCo was amended in 2021. The Seventh LegCo (2022-2025) is composed of 90 Members.