Yu was the only Hubei party chief since economic reforms began to hold a seat on the Politburo.

During his term as party chief, Shanghai experienced below-normal economic growth and a drastic increase in real estate prices; a large influx of migrants from outside the city migrated in search of work, creating tension with locals.

[3] In addition, the major fire of 15 November 2010 of a 28-storey high-rise apartment also led to some residents citing mismanagement on the part of Yu.

It was said that Yu edged out Li Yuanchao for membership on the leadership council at the eleventh hour due to internal voting and consultations.

On 11 March 2013, at the first session of the 12th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Yu was elected as the CPPCC chairman.

[6] Yu retired from Politburo Standing Committee after 19th Party Congress in October 2017 at age of 72, and stepped down as Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on 14 March 2018, being succeeded by Wang Yang.

After the senior Deng left politics, Yu was said to have served as his family's proxy within the Chinese government.