Tsang declared HK's new leader

Mr Tsang is seen as a good communicator

Donald Tsang has been declared Hong Kong's new leader after officials confirmed he had the overwhelming backing of a Beijing committee.

Mr Tsang won nominations from 710 of the 800 election committee members.

This level of support means there is no need to hold a formal election next month.

Mr Tsang, 60, is a former civil servant popular with Hong Kong's public. He has been serving as acting chief executive since Tung Chee-hwa resigned in March.

His success in the leadership contest was never in doubt, because of his experience and the fact he had Beijing's backing.

But he was keen to gain the overwhelming support of the election committee, to gain a mandate.

DONALD TSANG Knighted for work during British colonial rule before 1997 Mostly held financial posts, and became first Chinese to be Financial Secretary Popular with public but loyal to Beijing Test of style or substance Profile: Donald Tsang

Polls show Mr Tsang enjoys public support of more than 70%, a stark contrast to the unpopular Tung Chee-hwa, who stepped down citing health worries

A flamboyant dresser, famed for his colourful bowties, he is seen as approachable and decisive. But, given his close ties with Beijing, he is unlikely to press for any substantial political change in Hong Kong.

Many in the territory feel that the Chinese mainland wields too much power and stifles the high degree of autonomy it was promised when Britain handed it back to China in 1997.

It cannot directly elect its own leader, and Beijing can effectively veto any changes to its political system.

But while Beijing supports Mr Tsang, a civil servant when the British ruled Hong Kong, it does not yet fully trust him, analysts say.

It has decided that Mr Tsang will only serve the remaining two years of Mr Tung's remaining term of office, before holding a new election in 2007.