.jpg?width=780&fit=cover&gravity=faces&dpr=2&quality=medium&source=nar-cms&format=auto)
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Friday he will run in the upcoming leadership election of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, vowing to restore voter trust by "accelerating" reforms following a party slush funds scandal.
Koizumi, a 43-year-old rising star within the LDP who has been among the public's favorites to become a future Japanese leader, said he will dissolve the House of Representatives "as soon as possible" if he is elected LDP chief and takes over as prime minister.
The LDP's presidential race is being held in the wake of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's sudden announcement earlier this month that he will not seek reelection as leader of the ruling party, which has been rattled by the slush funds scandal that was revealed late last year.
Koizumi's father, Junichiro Koizumi, was premier from 2001 to 2006.
His supporters in the party hope he will be able to help renew the LDP's image, but others question whether he has the experience to lead the country.
The next chief is almost certain to become prime minister because both houses of parliament are controlled by the LDP-Komeito coalition.
