TOKYO: Former Japanese economic security minister KOBAYASHI Takayuki on Monday declared his candidacy in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s upcoming leadership election.

“I will thoroughly make this an election to rid (the LDP) of its factions,” Kobayashi, 49, told a press conference at a parliamentary members’ building in Tokyo. “I will not seek any support from former factions.”

Some of the ruling party’s factions were embroiled in a slush funds scandal involving fundraising parties, attracting public criticism. Several factions have since said they will disband.

“I will make policy activity funds more transparent,” Kobayashi said regarding the funds scandal.

JIJI Press