FILE PHOTO: Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, a candidate for Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) presidential election, speaks during a debate at the Nixon Kisha Club in Tokyo, Japan September 14, 2024. Takashi Aoyama/Pool via REUTERS/ File Photo
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party will elect a new leader on October 4 to replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, senior party lawmakers said on Tuesday, after a formal contest rather than a simplified voting procedure.
One senior LDP lawmaker said the full-scale selection procedure may favour Sanae Takaichi, a veteran fiscal dove and right-winger who local media say has decided to run, as well as Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of former premier Junichiro Koizumi. They are among a field likely to include at least five candidates, although neither has announced their candidacy yet.
