Xi Jinping’s first words as general secretary of the Communist party were: “Hello everybody. Sorry to have kept you waiting.” He meant the delay in the ceremony at the Great Hall of the People during which China’s new leadership team was revealed. But he could have been referring to the months leading up to this moment, which saw the dramatic purging of Bo Xilai and Mr Xi’s own mysterious two-week disappearance.

His opening words, casual and straightforward, set the tone for a speech that contrasted with the mechanical style of Hu Jintao, whom he is replacing. He talked about the public’s hopes for a better life. The party faced “severe challenges”, he said, mentioning corruption and distance from the people. His words were blessedly devoid of the ideological sloganeering beloved of his predecessor. “Socialism with Chinese characteristics” came up only once. He gave the impression of a modern leader with a lighter touch.

In a break with tradition, Mr Xi also replaced Mr Hu as chairman of the Central Military Commission, which controls the armed forces. Normally he would have had to wait a year or two. In March he will also become president of the nation. This will cap what – despite the distractions of the Bo affair – is the smoothest transition since 1949. That could augur well for those who see Mr Xi as a potential “reformer”. Some take hope from the reduction in Standing Committee members from nine to seven. A smaller body could more easily push through change. But it would be wrong to get carried away. Notable absences are the possibly progressive Wang Yang, party secretary of Guangdong province, and Li Yuanchao, head of the organisation department. Four of the seven members, including Mr Xi, are “princelings”, party royalty not known for embracing radical change.