Loughman’s removal is based on sub-article 42 of the Constitution, which allows the PM to appoint and remove cabinet members at any time.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Prime Minister’s Office, Hilaire Bule, confirmed the removal but did not know the reason behind it.
PM Salwai signed Loughman’s removal order before departing for the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) yesterday.
According to PRO Bule, the Minister of Finance and Economic Management, Johnny Koanapo, is serving as Acting PM until Salwai returns. A replacement for Loughman has yet to be announced.
Recently, Loughman, the Minister for Trades and Member of Parliament (MP) for Tanna, announced his intention to challenge the election of his colleague, MP Koanapo, for the position of Vanua’aku Pati (VP) President in court.
Loughman is the former VP President. He, along with the Minister of Education and MP for Santo Rural, Samson Samsen, and Koanapo, were brought into the Salwai Government earlier this year to maintain support.
Loughman was removed just a day after declaring his intention to challenge the election of Minister Koanapo as VP President and the VP National Executive.
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