Of the four candidates who contested the party's last leadership election, Hayashi is the only one not to be holding a Cabinet or senior party post.
Former internal affairs minister Yoshimasa Hayashi is drawing attention within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party regarding his next move after leaving the Cabinet in a reshuffle on Thursday. Of the four candidates who ran against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the party’s leadership election last autumn, Hayashi was the only one not to remain in either a Cabinet or senior party post in the latest personnel changes. He also quickly announced his intention to continue his regional tours.
Those close to the prime minister are increasingly wary that Hayashi could emerge as a rallying point for forces opposed to Takaichi in the party leadership election next autumn.
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