10 Nov 2016

Solomons PM retains support of caucus

7:57 pm on 10 November 2016

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister has retained the support of his caucus despite his party membership being revoked by his United Democratic Party.

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister has retained the support of his caucus despite his party membership being revoked by his United Democratic Party.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare Photo: RNZI

In a statement released this afternoon Members of Parliament from Manasseh Sogavare's own party as well as MPs from the other parties in his coalition endorsed his leadership.

The caucus described United Democratic Party president Sir Tommy Chan's cancelling of Mr Sogavare's membership as a unilateral decision made without consulting his executive.

Had the decision been endorsed by the UDP executive it would have cost Prime Minister Sogavare his position as the UDP Parliamentary Leader.

Sir Tommy Chan reportedly made his decision after receiving formal complaints from coalition partners criticising Mr Sogavare's leadership.

But the parliamentary caucus wanted an apology from the coalition party presidents for undermining the government.

They said they would support Mr Sogavare until the end of his four-years in office.