Former Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. (Mainichi)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Two senior members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party reiterated their intention Friday to run in the party's leadership election after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's sudden withdrawal announcement.

       Former Japanese Internal Affairs Minister Sanae Takaichi. (Mainichi)

       In addition to the statements by former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi, Hakubun Shimomura, who had withdrawn from the Sept. 29 election after being urged by Suga to prioritize his work as the LDP policy chief in responding to the COVID-19, indicated he might re-enter the race.

       "The situation has changed. I will discuss (the matter) with my colleagues," Shimomura said.

       Kishida said his intention to run has remained "unchanged" after Suga made the surprise announcement earlier in the day.

       Takaichi, who would be the LDP's first female president if elected, said she "will fight till the end" of the leadership race. She also said she was "appalled" at Suga's flip-flopping on running, as he had repeatedly said he would seek re-election.

       "The remarks of the country's top leader have changed every day," Takaichi said.

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