Hong Kong will hold the Legislative Council election as scheduled on Sunday, the chief executive has announced, arguing that it is important to elect new lawmakers who will be his key partners in launching reforms as the city reels from the deadly fire in Tai Po.

The government-led election forums, which were halted last Thursday, would resume on Wednesday this week, but all related recreational events, including an outdoor gala show, would be cancelled, authorities announced on Tuesday.

Candidates said they would refrain from organising large-scale street campaigns in the aftermath of last week’s fire at Wang Fuk Court that claimed at least 156 lives.

Earlier on Tuesday, city leader John Lee Ka-chiu said lawmakers were needed to help scrutinise funding and work with the government to review policies to prevent such a tragedy from taking place again.

“The partners I need most importantly are lawmakers,” Lee said ahead of his weekly meeting with the city’s key decision-making Executive Council.

“To hold the election as scheduled is to respect the constitutional order and rule of law … it is also to safeguard social stability as it serves as a strong support to the post-fire work.”