Hakubun Shimomura, policy chief of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, speaks to reporters at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Aug. 30, 2021. (Mainichi/Kan Takeuchi)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Liberal Democratic Party policy chief Hakubun Shimomura said Monday he will not run in the ruling party's September leadership election, after being urged by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to prioritize coronavirus response measures, according to party sources.

       The chairman of the LDP Policy Research Council had earlier expressed his desire to run in the race, saying he was confident of securing the 20 party lawmakers' signatures expressing endorsement that are necessary to run in the Sept. 29 election, with campaigning set to start on Sept. 17.

       His change of mind comes despite recent media polls showing public support for Suga's government has fallen to its lowest levels over its coronavirus response amid the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, which has put a strain on the country's medical system.

       The election is now expected to be contested by Suga, former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi.

       The major party factions have thrown their support behind Suga's re-election. Being re-elected ruling party chief would likely ensure he remains prime minister as the LDP controls the House of Representatives, the powerful lower chamber of parliament.

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