Defence minister resigns in Japan

The woman once perceived to likely become Japan’s first female prime minister has resigned as defence minister.

Tomomi Inada, a close ally of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, stepped down over an alleged cover-up of documents on a controversial peacekeeping deployment.

Her resignation comes as the prime minister sees a sharp plunge in public support over alleged favouritism.

Fifty-eight-year-old Inada was widely tipped for replacement next week in a cabinet reshuffle the prime minister hopes will help rebuild his ratings.