Japan's Komeito party on Friday said it would quit its coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) throwing the LDP's grip on power into uncertainty as new leader Sanae Takaichi awaits a parliamentary vote to confirm her as prime minister, Reuters reported.

Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito told party members that the 26-year partnership had broken down over an "inadequate" explanation by the LDP of its handling of a political funding scandal that has roiled the ruling group.

He said Komeito would not back Takaichi in the parliamentary vote expected later this month, according to Reuters.