Papua New Guinea's prime minister Peter O'Neill has formally resigned, following mass defections from his government in the past month .
The prime minister told parliament on Wednesday morning that he had tendered his resignation to the Governor-General, prior to arriving in the chamber.
Mr O'Neill, who has been in the role since 2011, avoided facing a likely confidence vote by making good on his recent announcement that he would step down.
It opens the way for a vote for a new prime minister.
Johnny Blades has been following the unfolding political drama and talked to Don Wiseman about it.
Papua New Guinea prime minister Peter O'Neill announcing new development projects in Madang 13 February 2019 Photo: Loop PNG
