The names of Tonga's new Cabinet Ministers were released by the interim Chief Secretary to Cabinet, 'Aholotu Palu after mid-day today.

'Aholotu said that the list of nominees submitted by the Prime Minister elect 'Akilisi Pohiva to the Lord Chamberlain yesterday were endorsed by HM King Tupou VI this morning.

The new 12-members Cabinet is made up of five members of the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (DPFI), one Noble and six independent members. One of the six independent members, Vuna Fa'otusia had made it clear after the election that he had joined DPFI.

Only five of the new ministers have parliamentary experience, and three were former Cabinet ministers. Only two Cabinet Ministers have retained their jobs, 'Aisake Eke (Finance...) and Lord Ma'afu (Land...)

The new Cabinet ministers are:

1. Samiuela 'Akilisi Pohiva, Prime Minister, Minister of Education and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

2. Siaosi Sovaleni, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Communication and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

3. Tevita Lavemaau, Minister of Revenue and Customs.

4. 'Etuate Lavulavu, Minister of Infrastructure.

5. Saia Piukala, Minister of Health.

6. Poasi Tei, Minister of Public Enterprises.

7. Pohiva Tui'onetoa, Minister of Police, Prisons and Fire, and Tourism, Labour and Commerce.

8. Semisi Fakahau, Minister of Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries.

9. Sione Vuna Fa'otusia, Minister of Justice.

10. 'Aisake Eke, Minister of Finance and National Planning.

11. Fe'ao Vakata, Minister for Internal Affairs.

12. Lord Ma'afu, Minister of Land, Natural Resources and His Majesty's Armed Forces.