Overview

• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told party members he will not step down immediately and will decide how to take responsibility at an appropriate time after the review meeting.
• LDP secretary-general Hiroshi Moriyama said he intends to resign to take responsibility for the July 20 loss, with the final decision resting with Ishiba.
• Jiji Press reported that general council chair Shunichi Suzuki and policy chief Itsunori Onodera have also conveyed plans to quit.
• Party protocol allows an early leadership race if a majority of LDP lawmakers and prefectural chapters submit written requests, with local media suggesting a decision could come as soon as Sept 8.
• Recent polling by Kyodo and Yomiuri shows Ishiba’s approval rating rising since the election despite internal pressure for a leadership change.