Yoshihide Suga elected Japan's new prime minister succeeding Shinzo Abe

Japan's parliament has elected Yoshihide Suga as the country's new prime minister, following the surprise resignation of Shinzo Abe, BBC reports. 

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

A close ally of Mr Abe, the new prime minister is expected to continue his predecessor's policies.

Shinzo Abe announced his resignation last month citing ill health.