Security chief named Hong Kong’s second-in-command amid protest clampdown

Carrie Lam with her new top team (AP)

The Chinese government has promoted Hong Kong’s top security official to the territory’s second-most senior position as Beijing looks to the administration to clamp down on free speech and political opposition.

Chief executive Carrie Lam said secretary for security John Lee would replace Matthew Cheung as the city’s chief secretary, while police chief Chris Tang would take over Mr Lee’s role.