Su Tseng-chang, a political heavyweight and former Taiwan premier, has once again been appointed to lead the cabinet as political upheaval continues in the country in the wake of a series of stunning losses suffered by the ruling party in November elections.

Mr Su replaces William Lai, who offered to step down last year after the Democratic Progressive party lost seven of the 13 key mayoral and county magistrate positions it held going into the  local elections amid rising dissatisfaction over local issues, including the economy.

The appointment marks a return to the premiership for Mr Su, 71, who served in the role under president Chen Shui-bian during a period of  heightened tension between Taiwan and China from 2006 to 2007, before an unsuccessful run as a vice-presidential candidate in 2008. Mr Su was a DPP founder and has served as its chair on two occasions.