Li Xueming, Bo Xilai’s brother, quits the board of China Everbright International

Li Xueming, also known as Bo Xiyong, Bo Xilai’s elder brother, has quit the board of China Everbright International, a Hong Kong-listed company.

Everbright said that Vice-Chairman Li Xueming had resigned to minimize any adverse impact on the company of media reports on his family background.

Bo Xilai’s removal has become China’s biggest political scandal in years.

“The board would like to take this opportunity to clarify that recent reports by the media on Mr. Li’s family background have no relationship with the normal business and operations of the company,” Everbright said in the statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange.

“Mr. Li has demonstrated dedication and diligence in serving the company during his tenure of directorship,” it said.

Bo Xilai, once tipped for China’s highest office, was removed from his role as Chongqing party secretary in March and suspended from all political office in April.

He is being investigated for “serious discipline violations”, Chinese authorities announced on 10 April and his wife, Gu Kailai, is being investigated in connection with the death of British businessman Neil Heywood.

Since then the lifestyle and political and business dealings of Bo Xilai and his family have come under intense media scrutiny.

According to its website, China Everbright International focuses on alternative energy and waste management.