Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has formally announced his intention to retire from politics and said he will not run in the next House of Representatives election.

Koizumi, 66, named his second son and secretary, 27-year-old Shinjiro Koizumi, as heir apparent to the Kanagawa No. 11 district.

"I believe I have served out my role as a Diet member by carrying out the grave responsibilities of a prime minister," Koizumi told a crowd of supporters Sept. 27 in his home district of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Speaking about his son, he said: "I might be called a silly parent, but I think he is more reliable than I was when I was 27 years old. I would appreciate it greatly if you could provide Shinjiro with your generous support."