Bo Xilai expelled from Chinese legislature

Chinese lawmakers on Friday expelled disgraced leader Bo Xilai from the parliament, completing his extirpation from politics and stripping him of immunity from prosecution for a series of corruption charges.

The leader from Chongqing, who was once considered an emerging name, was expelled from the Communist Party last month after a political scandal involving his wife created much sensation.

Bo, who was believed to be a votary of Mao Zedong's policies, is accused of abuse of power, bribe-taking and violating party discipline.

The state media announced on Friday that Bo had formally been expunged from the top legislature, setting the stage for criminal proceedings against him.

"The Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) on Friday announced the termination of Bo Xilai's post as the NPC deputy," said a brief statement from Xinhua news agency.

His wife, Gu Kailai, was jailed in August for the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood and was given a suspended death sentence.

The development came less than two weeks before a once in a decade leadership change in China.

Legislators are due to meet on November 8 for a Congress at which the new top leaders will be unveiled.

The scandal unveiled in February when Chongqing police chief Wang Lijun sought refuge in the US consulate in Chengdu, following which Bo was removed from his party post in Chongqing.