Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first post-colonial leader, dies aged 89

Mr Tung became Hong Kong’s first leader after the former British colony returned to Chinese rule (Alamy/PA)

Tung Chee-hwa, a shipping heir who became Hong Kong’s first leader after the former British colony returned to Chinese rule, has died aged 89.

His office said in a statement that Mr Tung passed away peacefully in the presence of his family members on Tuesday.

Mr Tung became Hong Kong’s chief executive in 1997 and served for about eight years.

He struggled to cope with a regional financial crisis, a major disease outbreak and massive street protests.

Mr Tung abruptly resigned in 2005 with two years left in his second term, citing fatigue and failing health. But most believed China’s Communist leadership forced him out of office after losing confidence in his ability to lead the former British colony.