Taiwan chief administrator Jiang Yi-huah announced his resignation after the ruling Kuomintang suffered a defeat in local elections held on Saturday.

Jiang announced the decision at a news conference on Saturday evening and it was approved by Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou.

Jiang said the voting results showed the public's discontent with the government administration, and he decided to take political responsibility, hoping Ma would appoint a new chief administrator as soon as possible to face the challenges.