The court said Li took bribes from 14 people and businesses, including carmakers and real estate developers, in return for helping them obtain land development and construction contracts or find jobs. Some of the companies were run by his relatives.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the anti-corruption watchdog, said in October 2009 that it was investigating Li for 'serious violations of discipline'.

In addition to jailing Li for life, the court also ordered the confiscation of Li's assets and stripped him of his political rights for life.

It said he had been given 'a lighter sentence' because he had confessed and returned part of his illegal gains.

Before the verdict was handed down, some internet commentators called for Li to be given the death sentence as a deterrent.

Li was one of 12 provincial- and ministry-level officials sacked for corruption in 2009.