A large group of lawmakers has left the ruling Democratic Party of Japan over a tax hike.

Fifty lawmakers belonging to a party faction led by former party chief Ichiro Ozawa tendered their resignation to the party, blaming Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda for refusing to withdraw a bill that increases the consumption tax.

The departing lawmakers comprise 38 representatives and 12 councilors.

Ozawa is known to be establishing a new party this week that opposes the tax hike. He will head the new party.

Prime Minister Noda and the party leadership are doing their best to discourage more members from joining the exodus.

The prime minister is expected to oust Ozawa and his followers as he refuses to accept their resignation.

The opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito Party are pushing to dissolve the House of Representatives and to hold general elections early as soon as the tax hike bill is approved at the House of Councilors.