Japan set for first female PM

Japan’s ruling party has elected Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, putting her on track to become the country’s first female prime minister.

The hardline conservative, 64, was chosen by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in a run-off with rival Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, who was seeking to become Japan’s youngest modern leader.

A former economic security and internal affairs minister, Takaichi, pictured, is inheriting a party in crisis.

The LDP and its coalition partner have lost their majorities in both houses under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, with the drop in popularity leading to his resignation, reports Reuters.

A vote in parliament to select a replacement for the outgoing Ishiba is expected on October 15. Takaichi, pictured, is favoured to be chosen as the ruling coalition has the largest number of seats.

Takaichi is an advocate of the late premier Shinzo Abe’s “Abenomics” strategy, which aims to boost the economy through aggressive spending and easy monetary policy.

After winning the LDP leadership, she announced plans to cut taxes and increase subsidies.