Hong Kong 'labour party' could be on horizon, but who will vote for it?

For more than a decade, pan-democrat politicians have considered grouping together the several independent trade unions to back a political party representing workers that would run for seats in the legislature.

The idea for such a labour party has been given fresh impetus with the passage of the minimum-wage law and the government's plan to study regulations on working hours.

Pan-democrat lawmakers Lee Cheuk-yan, Leung Yiu-chung and Cyd Ho Sau-lan say they have been discussing the possibility of forming a centre-left party to campaign for the rights of the underprivileged.

But their efforts are being clouded by uncertainty over the electoral picture for 2012 and the deep-rooted split between pro-Beijing and independent trade unions.

Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung, a former lawmaker who represented the social welfare sector in the Legislative Council, is among those behind the idea. Following his withdrawal from the Civic Party due to long-standing differences over its future direction, he is talking of forming a new organisation.

'Hong Kong lacks a centre-left party that provides a clear platform for the grass roots of society,' Cheung said. 'Now is the time for the electorate to be given such an option.'

Under plans being discussed, the labour party would be backed by several trade unions - with the backbone of support being the 160,000-strong Confederation of Trade Unions headed by Lee - together with social and community groups. Prominent academics and veteran unionists could serve as advisers.