The Japanese government on Wednesday, September 16, elected Yoshihide Suga as the country’s new prime minister, after its long-serving leader Shinzo Abe resigned over health related issues last month.

Following the appointment, the new prime minister who is also believed to be a close ally to the outgoing premier is expected to continue his predecessor’s policies.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Abe held his final cabinet meeting and told reporters he was proud of his achievements during his nearly eight years in power, according to BBC.

The incoming premier won a poll for prime minister in the Diet, Japan's lower house, receiving 314 out of 462 votes.

Given that a coalition headed by his conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) holds the majority in the house, his win was widely expected.

Along with his new cabinet he will later be ceremonially endorsed by the emperor at the Imperial Palace.

Previously, Suga has served as the country’s chief cabinet secretary, the most senior role in government after the prime minister.

Who is Yoshihide Suga?

Suga, now 71 years, first worked as a secretary for an LDP lawmaker before eventually embarking on his own political career, from city council elections to becoming a member of the Diet in 1996.

In 2005 he became a cabinet minister under Junichiro Koizumi and gained further influence in the subsequent Abe cabinet.

As Mr Abe's right-hand man, he gained a reputation for being efficient and practical and the outgoing prime minister strongly supported his ally's bid for the leadership.

One of his most prominent public appearances was when he unveiled the name of the new Reiwa era during the transition from Emperor Akihito, who abdicated, to his son Naruhito in 2019.