Top executives from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Monday effectively endorsed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe¡¯s plan to shelve the planned hike of the unpopular consumption tax, despite opposition from several party leaders earlier in the day.

At a meeting Monday evening, Abe explained his decision to postpone the hike planned for April to October 2019.

None of the attendants at that meeting objected, LDP Secretary-General Sadakazu Tanigaki said, adding that the party would attempt to reach a formal consensus on the issue Tuesday at a policy affairs council session.