Tonga's former Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni emotionally bowed out yesterday, saying: “On no occasion did I try to undermine the support and cohesion within Cabinet.”

Siaosi, the MP for Tongatapu no.3 constituency, lost his job as Minister for MEIDECC (Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Mangement, Climate Change and Communications) and Foreign Affairs, in a dismissal that the Prime Minister back-dated to September 1.

After calling local media to his office in Nuku'alofa yesterday afternoon for a "press conference" Sovaleni declined to take any questions after making a short statement.

“I would like to strongly deny the rumours that I was involved in any efforts to dissolve Tonga’s Parliament at any point in time. There is absolutely no truth to that rumour,” he said.

Siaosi confirmed that he had received a letter on Tuesday 5 September, from the Prime Minister confirming the King’s agreement, with the recommendation to revoke his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Ministerial appointments to Cabinet.

“I accept the decision that has been made,” he said.

“I always committed the best of my abilities, dedication and loyalty to the Kingdom and to serving the people.”

He apologised for "any shortfalls in the way I carried my duties or myself"

“At all times, I expressed my honest views and beliefs to assist and support the leadership of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.”

At the end of his statement Siaosi did not take any questions from the media but he asked that he and his family's privacy be respected at this time.

Whether or not he will run in the upcoming November 16 General Election remains to be confirmed.