A former head of the Hong Kong Bar Association has emerged as the latest front runner likely to become the city’s next justice minister after Chief Executive-elect John Lee Ka-chiu discussed the formation of his governing team with state leaders last week, the Post has learned.

It had been previously speculated that incumbent Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah would retain the post under Lee’s incoming administration.

But a source on Monday said Lee had recently approached former legal association head Paul Lam Ting-kwok, adding that he appeared to be a more suitable candidate for the role, as the next administration would emphasise teamwork.

Another source, who is familiar with the formation of Lee’s team, said the incoming leader was expected to unveil his line-up in the second half of the month, with Eric Chan Kwok-ki, director of the Chief Executive’s Office, likely to be nominated as chief secretary, while Paul Chan Mo-po could continue to serve as finance minister.

In a reply to the Post on Monday, Lam said he had “no comments” on whether he would succeed Cheng as secretary for justice.