By changing the secretary-general, Renho aims to clarify the party leadership's responsibility for the election setback, a party executive said.

She hopes to start working on a new party leadership team after the DP conducts a review of the election results at a meeting of all party lawmakers slated for Tuesday, the executive said.

After the DP's strength in the 127-member metropolitan assembly fell by two seats to five seats in the election, many party members urged the leadership team to take responsibility, with some calling for a full-scale reform of the party.

Noda has expressed his intention to decide whether to step down as party secretary-general, after the coming review of the election results.

Renho puts great trust in Noda, a fellow member of the group of DP lawmakers she belongs to, and wanted to keep him in the current post.

But she is believed to have concluded that she has no choice but to replace him in view of growing discontent within the party. (Jiji Press)