Japan LDP executive Nikai says he backs PM Suga for party chief

FILE PHOTO : Toshihiro Nikai, Secretary General of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party, talks to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, August 31, 2018. Roman Pilipey/Pool via Reuters

TOKYO (Reuters) - An influential member of Japan's ruling party said on Tuesday he still backed the re-appointment of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga as party leader, a post that ensures he would remain prime minister.

Suga has said he would run in the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership race for another term as head of the party. A former foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, is likely to challenge him in the vote, which is expected next month, the Sankei newspaper reported.