TOKYO (Reuters) - A group of lawmakers led by Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso will back Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga for the next premier, Kyodo news agency reported on Monday, giving Suga a boost from one of the largest factions within the ruling party.
Aso’s faction comprises 54 lawmakers, according to a spokeswoman from the faction’s office.
Former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida as well as Suga are seen as major contenders in the race to succeed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
