Japan’s parliament has elected Yoshihide Suga as the country’s new prime minister, succeeding Shinzo Abe who resigned on health reasons.

After winning the leadership of the governing party earlier this week, Wednesday’s vote confirms the former chief cabinet secretary’s new position.

Suga, a close ally of Mr Abe, is expected to continue in his predecessor’s policies.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Abe held his final cabinet meeting and told reporters he was proud of his achievements during his nearly eight years in power.

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

Given that a coalition headed by his conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) holds the majority in the house, his win was widely expected.

Suga’s ceremonial endorsement along with his new cabinet is scheduled to hold at the Imperial Palace by the emperor later today.