Inspired by Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi becomes Japans first female premier

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TOKYO - Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi was voted in by parliament as Japans first female prime minister on Tuesday, emulating her hero, Britains late leader Margaret Thatcher, after a whirlwind few weeks of political wrangling.

Having won an all-male race to be chosen by her ruling Liberal Democratic Party as its leader on October 5, Takaichi had to scramble for support after her partys more moderate coalition partner quit their 26-year alliance.

Attention now turns to her big spending plans that may jolt investor confidence in one of the worlds most indebted economies, and her nationalistic positions that could stoke friction with powerful neighbour China, political analysts say.

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Takaichi, 64, who narrowly lost in a run-off to lead the LDP last year, must also prepare to host U.S. President Donald Trump who is due to visit Japan next week.

A former economic security and interior minister, Takaichi has repeatedly referred to Thatcher as a source of inspiration, citing her strong character and convictions coupled with her womanly warmth.

She said she met the conservative Thatcher, a divisive figure in British politics known as the Iron Lady, at a symposium shortly before Thatchers death in 2013.

Like Thatcher, Takaichis relatively humble background - her mother was a police officer and her father worked at a car company - stands out in a party where many leaders hail from elite political families.

But unlike Thatcher - known for her tough budgeting - Takaichi is an advocate of fiscal largesse and easy monetary policies that have shaken investor confidence in the worlds fourth-largest economy.

A long-time advocate of the late prime minister Shinzo Abes Abenomics stimulus