(MENAFN) Japan's incoming first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, took decisive action on Tuesday, reshuffling the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). She appointed several veteran lawmakers to key positions, though the reshuffle fell short of securing a consensus with the LDP's longtime ally, the Komeito party.

In a strategic move, Shunichi Suzuki, 72, a former Finance Minister, was appointed the party's No. 2 leader, assuming the role of secretary general. Taro Aso, 85, a former Prime Minister who had supported Takaichi in her leadership bid, will serve as the party's vice president, according to a report from media.

Takayuki Kobayashi, 50, the former economic security minister, was designated as the new chief policymaker despite being one of the four candidates who lost in the recent leadership contest over the weekend.

Haruko Arimura, 55, the former minister for women's empowerment, was named to head the party's General Council, the body responsible for crucial decision-making. Meanwhile, Keiji Furuya, 72, will take on the role of election strategy chief.

Koichi Hagiuda, 62, a former industry minister and figure tied to a high-profile political scandal involving slush funds, has been appointed as executive acting secretary general, to support Suzuki's efforts in unifying the party.

“We will overcome this difficult situation and live up to people’s expectations by unifying the party,” Suzuki stated at a joint news conference alongside other newly appointed officials. This comes after a fragmented vote among LDP lawmakers in the recent presidential election.

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