I think we should be bracing ourselves for a wave of disgruntled legislative councillors, and it might not end there. If a Legislative Council stalwart goes out the door, could an Executive Council heavyweight be far behind?

Every day seems to bring news of another of our 89 legislative councillors not seeking re-election this year, with more than a dozen already pulling out of the race. In some instances, the legislator claims plausibly to wish to pursue other career or life objectives. That does not appear to be the case for others, though, so is it legitimate for the public and the media to ask whether they jumped or were pushed?

At the time of writing, of the serving legislators who had indicated they would not seek re-election, eight are already in their 70s and a ninth Martin Liao Cheung-kong, is 68. This has led some to speculate that an informal age limit of 70 is being introduced, albeit without any announcement.

The most prominent Legislative Council member to breach the purported age mark is Executive Council convenor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, who is 75. Ip is the leader of the New People’s Party, which has indicated it will issue a statement on its plan for the Legco election at an appropriate time.