Niue deputy Premier dumped in Budget crisis

Niue Premier Young Vivian dumped deputy Sani Lakatani from the Cabinet today after the former leader voted against accepting the Budget.

Vivian hopes to reintroduce the Budget, which proposes a $1.4 million deficit, when four MPs return from overseas.

Under Niue's constitution, failure to win approval for a Budget is regarded as a vote of no confidence and could mean a new election.