On December 5, 2014, notable CPC member Zhou Yongkang was expelled from the party after being accused of alleged corruption. The following day, Hu commented on the recent anti-corruption campaign of the CPC stating "Zhou challenged Xi's authority and threatened his rule - that's why he's now being held responsible along with his gangs. The bottom line is: All officials are corrupt. Xi can't find a better excuse to rid of his political opponents than fighting corruption- something that helps him win the masses' hearts and minds."