Japan ruling party in deep disarray ahead of poll

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TOKYO, June 30 (Reuters) - Disarray deepened on Tuesday in Japan's long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ahead of a looming election the ruling bloc looks likely to lose, after moves intensified to oust unpopular Prime Minister Taro Aso.

But it was unclear whether LDP critics of Aso, whose support rates have fallen to under 20 percent in some recent polls, would gain enough momentum to replace him before an election that many expect in August and that must be held by October. [ID:nT311439]

Surveys show the opposition Democratic Party ahead of the LDP in the run-up to the election for parliament's powerful lower house, boosting the chances of an end to more than five decades of almost unbroken rule by the business-friendly ruling party.

NHK public TV reported on Tuesday that Aso, 68, was considering changing the top party leadership line-up and some cabinet members on July 2, a move aimed at boosting the unpopular LDP's ratings ahead of an August election. But other media said he had abandoned the plan, which he himself denied in Monday.

At least two groups of anti-Aso LDP lawmakers met on Monday evening. "We should move forward the party leadership race and the winner should be the 'face' (of the LDP)," former chief cabinet secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki told reporters after a meeting of younger lawmakers at a central Tokyo restaurant.

Aso's term as LDP leader expires in September, but moves are afoot to hold a leadership poll before the general election.

De facto calls for Aso to step down were echoed at a separate meeting of around 20 members of parliament including popular former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, who was quoted by media as saying the LDP should prepare for possible defeat. (Reporting by Linda Sieg and Yoko Nishikawa; Editing by Michael Watson)