Yoshihide Suga emerging as favourite to become Japan's prime minister

Chief cabinet secretary to confirm rumours he will join race to succeed Shinzo Abe

A poker-faced loyalist who has been the public face of Shinzo Abe's government for almost eight years is emerging as the favourite to replace him as Japan's prime minister, after Abe's surprising decision to resign over health concerns.

As chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga has faithfully communicated Abe's message, on everything from economic policy to North Korean missile tests and the country's faltering response to the coronavirus pandemic.