Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Willie Telavi the new prime minister in Tuvalu

Posted at 04:20 on 24 December, 2010 UTC

Tuvalu has a new prime minister with Willie Telavi winning this morning’s vote by the narrowest of margins, 8 to 7.

This followed a no confidence motion in the former prime minister Maatia Toafa earlier this week.

Mr Toafa was only elected to the post in late September, but Mr Telavi, his home affairs minister, withdrew his support.

It’s reported that Mr Telavi had been promised the top position if he joined the opposition.

Enele Sopoaga, who was also a minister in the previous government, was the losing candidate in the prime ministerial contest.

Mr Telavi has now been sworn in.