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1st LD: Tokyo Gov. Masuzoe confirms intention to step down following funds scandal

Xinhua, June 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe has decided to resign from his position following his involvement in a political funds scandal, a source within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

Masuzoe's decision comes as the Tokyo assembly is gearing up to pass a non-confident motion against him later in the day.

The embattled governor is accused of misusing political funds on numerous occasions for his own personal purposes.

Sources close to the matter said Wednesday that the seven assembly groups, which include the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its Komeito ally, have jointly agreed to submit the motion to the plenary session on Wednesday.

Masuzoe was under pressure to quit on Tuesday but stood firm and asked the assembly to hold fire until September to allow for him to better account for himself and carry out his duties until then.

However, Wednesday's vote, which will go ahead in the afternoon, will almost certainly be passed, sources said in the morning, with Masuzoe himself confirming his intention to resign. Endit