Gu Kaili the wife of the disgraced Chinese political leader Bo Xilai , has been charged with the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood. Who was found dead in a hotel in Chongqing on 15 November 2011.

Local officials initially said Mr Heywood died of excessive drinking, but the government announced in April it was investigating Mr Bo's wife in connection with the case.

It was understood Ms Gu and her son had conflicts with Mr Heywood over economic interests. Although, the exact nature of Mr Heywood's role, and his relationship with the Bo family is unclear. Xilai was a top politician who had been tipped to be promoted during the once-in-a-decade leadership change starting later this year.

Bo Xilai was a top politician who had been tipped to be promoted during the once-in-a-decade leadership change starting later this year.So the fact that his wife will be prosecuted some distance from where the crime allegedly took place, means that authorities may have been concerned about the political influence Bo Xilai and his family may still exert in Chongqing and whether that would affect a fair trial.

Written and Presented by Ann Salter