PM opponents seek leadership contest

Opponents of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Japan's ruling party sought to rally support for a new leadership election yesterday, with several party heavyweights reportedly turning on the embattled premier.

- 

Mr Ishiba, 68, took the helm of the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) last year and has since lost his majority in both houses of parliament, most recently in upper chamber elections in July.

On Tuesday, four senior LDP figures including secretary general Hiroshi Moriyama offered to resign, but Mr Ishiba said he still had work to do as leader.

“I will make appropriate decisions at an appropriate time. But first and foremost, I believe this means dedicating all my efforts to fulfilling what the people truly want me to accomplish,” he said.

“I won't run away from taking responsibility,” he said, adding he had “no intention at all to cling onto my position” if it became untenable.