Shinzo Abe ally seen as favourite to become new Japanese leader

Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga (AP)

Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga, a loyal assistant of outgoing prime minister Shinzo Abe, has emerged as the favourite to succeed him in an upcoming internal party vote.

A member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) who does not belong to any faction, Mr Suga has been approached by leaders of other party wings as someone who can ensure the continuation of Mr Abe’s policies, including Japan’s security alliance with the US, the coronavirus pandemic and measures to shore up the economy.