James To
On 12 October 2016, Leung was granted the authority to chair a Legislative Council meeting for the election of the new president, due to having the second highest seniority after presidential candidate James To. As the meeting progressed, Leung gave up his role, which was passed down to Abraham Shek. His decision to quit was met with controversy, as critics derided him for passing the position of power to the pro-establishment camp. The meeting concluded with pro-establishment candidate Andrew Leung elected as President of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong in a 38–0 vote.