Japan PM Fumio Kishida announces he will step down in September

Kishida's three-year term has been marked by scandal, rising living costs and record defence spending

Japan's prime minister, Fumio Kishida, has said he will not run for the presidency of his ruling Liberal Democratic party [LDP] next month - a decision that will see the appointment of a new leader of the world's fourth-biggest economy.

Kishida, who has been battling low approval ratings and a damaging funding scandal, said he would step down as LDP leader in September, telling reporters on Wednesday that the party needed an open contest to promote debate".