Outgoing governor has come back from political dead before

Meng Xuenong's political comeback after being sacked during the 2003 Sars outbreak was one of the most talked about recent dramas in mainland political circles.

Indeed, until yesterday, Mr Meng was one of several figures who had seen their political fortunes resurrected after resigning or being sacked for their roles in various crises.

Even as Mr Meng resigned yesterday over the mudslide that left at least 254 people dead, observers said the move would only usher in a new round of speculation over his future, given his close links to President Hu Jintao and his abilities.

Beijing-based political scientist Hu Xingdou said: 'The most important thing in mainland political circles is connections. Officials are not returned by elections, and so basically it's a life-long career.

'In general, they would not be deprived of all posts, but it is likely that in a case like Meng Xuenong's, he might be posted to a more low-profile, less attention-getting position, as was the case before he became Shanxi governor,' said Professor Hu. He also noted that the public spoke favourably of Mr Meng's performance, despite the various crises on his watch.

Mr Meng was demoted to deputy director of the office in charge of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project after being sacked from his post as Beijing mayor in 2003 for his mishandling of the Sars outbreak.

His resurrection in August last year, when he was named deputy secretary of the Communist Party's provincial committee for Shanxi, surprised many and was seen as a sign of Mr Hu's strengthened position ahead of the 17th National Party Congress in October.