kingmaker

1. N-COUNT A kingmaker is a person or group who has control over which people are chosen for positions of authority, for example, in an election. 拥立国王者; 控制候选人的个人或团体

Mr. Takeshita became the party's kingmaker, handing the largest faction over to one of his own disciples. 竹下先生成为党内决定谁能当选的关键人物，他将最大的派系移交至他自己的一位追随者手中。