BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- A former senior official in northeast China's Liaoning Province has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office over serious violations of discipline and laws, according to a statement by the top anti-graft body Tuesday.

Yang Xihuai, former deputy secretary of the Liaoning provincial discipline inspection commission and vice director of the provincial supervisory commission, is being investigated by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission, said the CCDI statement.

The probe found that Yang failed to perform his duty correctly, leaked work-related secrets, accepted banquet invitations that might have resulted in unfairness in the fulfillment of duties, and interfered in judicial activities, the statement said.

"Yang lost his commitment to Party principles, took advantage of his posts to do favors for others and sought personal benefits. He showed no sign of restraint even after the 18th CPC National Congress. Yang should be harshly punished," the statement said.

Since Yang reported his violations to authorities, returned his illicit gains and showed remorse, the CCDI proposed a lenient punishment.