Japan’s Komeito party on Friday announced it is leaving the ruling coalition led by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), citing growing unease over corruption scandals — a major political setback for newly elected LDP leader Sanae Takaichi, who had hoped to become the country’s first female prime minister.

Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito said his party’s decision ends a 26-year partnership with the LDP. He said while Komeito accepted Takaichi’s views on wartime history, visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, and policies toward foreigners, her failure to show “sincerity” in tackling political corruption was unacceptable.

“The LDP’s response was that it will think about it, which was highly insufficient and extremely disappointing,” Saito said. “Our endeavor against money politics is the highest priority for the Komeito.”

Takaichi, a hardline conservative and close ally of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, called Saito’s decision “extremely disappointing.” She said she and LDP Secretary General Shunichi Suzuki had pledged to address Komeito’s concerns before the party abruptly quit.

The coalition’s collapse leaves the LDP without a majority in either house of parliament, forcing it to seek new allies before a parliamentary vote later this month to choose Japan’s next prime minister.

Saito also confirmed that Komeito lawmakers would not support Takaichi in the upcoming vote to replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. “I will vote for Tetsuo Saito,” he said.

Founded in 1964 by Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda, Komeito has long drawn support from Soka Gakkai followers and played a key role in helping LDP candidates win elections. The breakup comes amid a wave of corruption scandals implicating dozens of LDP lawmakers, many tied to Abe’s former faction — a political lineage Takaichi has vowed to continue.