Hong Kong’s number-two official announced on April 6 that he intends to run for the city’s chief executive position if Beijing accepts his resignation from his current role. John Lee, 64, a former deputy commissioner of police, was elevated to chief secretary last June in a move that critics said signaled a further tightening of Beijing’s squeeze on the global financial hub. The office of the city’s current leader, Carrie Lam, who has announced that she won’t seek a second five-year term, confirmed Lee had submitted his resignation letter, according to a government notice released on Wednesday morning. “I indicate in the letter the reason for my resignation is that if my resignation is approved, I shall plan to prepare to stand for the upcoming chief executive election,” Lee told a press conference. Lee said he would elaborate on his next move once his resignation was formally approved by Beijing. In …