A tussle between two MPs in Solomon Islands over the Finance and Treasury ministerial portfolio has resulted in another politician swopping sides.
Snyder Rini switched allegiance to the Opposition only hours after the swearing in of 21 Cabinet Ministers.
The Solomon Island Broadcasting Corporation reports the move is related to the Finance Ministry portfolio being given to another MP.
The portfolio was vacant as Prime Minister Danny Phillip organised his Cabinet to be sworn, because he was undecided on who to assign the key ministry to.
Two other Ministry's were also left vacant - the Police and National Security portfolio and the Ministry of National Planning and Aid Coordination.
Mr Phillip's new government was dealt another blow with the sudden death of the Shortland's MP Steve Laore who died less than twenty-four hours after the elections for Prime Minister.
Mr Rini's switch has now left the government coalition with twenty-four MPs, while the Opposition has increased its side to twenty-five.
