TOKYO: Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has become the new prime minister of Japan,  following the resignation of Shinzo Abe.

After winning the leadership of the governing party earlier this week, Japan’s parliament elected Suga as the country’s new prime minister on Wednesday.

A close ally of former Prime Minister Abe, the new prime minister is expected to continue his predecessor’s policies.

Shinzo Abe announced his resignation last month citing ill health.

Suga won a poll for prime minister in the Diet, Japan’s lower house, receiving 314 out of 462 votes.

Along with his new cabinet he will later be ceremonially endorsed by the emperor at the Imperial Palace. (With inputs from Agencies)