"We'll start our work urgently" to form a new leadership team, including the selection of the next secretary-general, President Renho told a meeting of the main opposition party's lawmakers of both chambers of the Diet, Japan's parliament.

The party executive selection is seen ending later this month.

Some DP members criticize Renho for staying on as party head. It is uncertain whether the upcoming shakeup will quiet the criticism.

Noda apologized for a lack of governance in the party, apparently referring to the defection of some official candidates from the party before the election.

Renho said she wants to strengthen her party because there may be a House of Representatives election in the near future.

She will switch from the House of Councillors to the lower chamber so that she can run from a constituency in Tokyo in the next Lower House poll, said the party leader.

The DP saw its presence in the 127-seat metropolitan assembly to decrease by two seats to only five in the latest election.

At a party conference earlier this month, many party members called for a drastic reshuffle of the leadership team. (Jiji Press)