Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, also president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), shuffled the party leadership on Wednesday, Jiji news agency reported.

Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi and Vice President Taro Aso retained their posts. 

Industry Minister Koichi Hagiuda was given the key post of LDP policy chief. 

Kishida will also shuffle his cabinet and is expected to hold a press conference later in the day.