30 Oct 2002

New opposition leader in Fiji

6:18 pm on 30 October 2002

A Nadi businessman is the new leader of the opposition in Fiji's parliament.

Mick Beddoes is the president of the United General Party and its member of parliament.

Mr Beddoes was appointed by the president, Ratu Josefa Iloilo after Mahendra Chaudhry turned down the appointement twice.

The president's office declined Mr Chaudhry's request to defer the appointment until Fiji's Supreme Court rules on a case challenging the legality of the government.

Mr Chaudhry's Labour Party argues it should be included in a multi party cabinet because it's the second largest political party in parliament.

Mr Beddoes succeeds Prem Singh who lost the seat in a court case.