AsianFin -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pushed back against media reports claiming he plans to resign following a historic defeat in Sunday’s election, saying there is “no truth” to the speculation.

Ishiba made the remarks Wednesday after meeting with former prime ministers Yoshihide Suga, Taro Aso, and Fumio Kishida, as well as senior ruling party officials. He said the talks did not touch on whether he would remain in office.

The group agreed on the need to treat the Liberal Democratic Party’s current situation with a strong sense of urgency and to avoid internal divisions, according to LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama, who was also present.