Former foreign minister seeks Japan leadership

Brash, right-leaning former foreign minister Taro Aso announced today that he will run for ruling party president in a move that would put him on track to take over as Japan’s next prime minister.

Mr Aso, 67, is widely considered the front-runner to replace struggling prime minister Yasuo Fukuda, who announced on Monday that he would step down amid sagging popularity and troubles with a split parliament.