Jul 03 (NHK) - Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike's new regional party and allies scored a landslide victory in Sunday's metropolitan assembly election.
Tomin First led by Koike allowed 6 independents into the party bringing it to a total of 55 seats. It is now the assembly's largest party.
The party and its allies have 79 of the 127 seats.
The Liberal Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the biggest force with 57 seats before the election, but now holds only 23 seats.
Koike said she is very grateful for the better-than-expected results thanks to the support of Tokyo residents. She also said she is feeling the weight of the responsibility.
The LDP Executive Acting Secretary-General, Hakubun Shimomura, said he will resign as chairman of the party's Tokyo chapter. Others in the LDP say the outcome reflects voter anger towards the Abe administration and are calling for a cabinet reshuffle.
The LDP has been dogged by controversies over plans to open schools in western Japan. Opposition lawmakers allege government officials gave favorable treatment to school operators who support the prime minister.
Source: ANNnewsCH
