Shinzo Abe to resign due to health issues

Japan's PM is set to resign due to health reasons, according to officials within his party.

Speculations that were initially dismissed by the governing party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

This comes after this weeks announcement that he had become the longest continuously serving prime minister of Japan.

Shinzo Abe has suffered with ulcerative colitis which is an inflammation of the lower digestive system for some years now, but it is thought that his condition has worsened.

Back in 2007, he resigned suddenly because of his struggles with the disease, that have affected him since he was a teenager.

According to public broadcaster NHK, the 65-year-old said that he wanted to avoid causing issues for his government.

It has been suggested by the head of the LDP's tax panel, Akira Amari, that for now there will not be a snap election.

Taro Aso, the deputy prime minister, is first in line for the position. If he were to become the acting PM, his powers would include dealing with treaties and budgets until a new party leader is selected.