Qiao Shi was forced to call it quits at a Politburo meeting that had been orchestrated by his foe, President Jiang Zemin.
Diplomatic sources in Beijing said yesterday that Mr Jiang convened an enlarged Politburo meeting halfway through the 15th Congress, which closed on Thursday.
The General Secretary told his colleagues that owing to a divergence of views the leadership was unable to present to the 2,048 congress delegates a list of recommended candidates for the Central Committee and the Politburo.
Before the fateful conclave, Mr Jiang had quietly enlisted the support of party elders, including former vice-premier Bo Yibo.
The sources said Mr Jiang opened the session by saying senior cadres and delegates could not agree on a retirement age for a number of veteran comrades.
Those present knew Mr Jiang, 71, was referring to the above-70 age group including himself, Mr Qiao, 73, and 81-year-old General Liu Huaqing.
'I respect the delegates' wish for rejuvenation,' Mr Jiang reportedly said. 'I myself am ready to retire.' But at this point Mr Bo interrupted him and said the party should go for both rejuvenation and unity.