HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary John Tsang has resigned from his post, pending an announcement that he will run for the city’s top job next March, Cable TV news reported on Monday (Dec 12).

The resignation ends months of speculation on whether the 65-year-old, currently topping popularity polls, wants to run for Chief Executive of Hong Kong.

Affectionately known as “Uncle Pringles” for his signature moustache, the US-educated lover of fencing and martial arts has served as the former British colony’s finance minister since July 2007.

Candidates running for Chief Executive have to be vetted by a 1,200-strong Election Committee, which will be formed in December. The same committee will decide who will lead the city of 7.2 million people in late March.