Teina Bishop supported by his daughter Tania Bishop outside the High Court in Rarotonga Photo: RNZI/Cook Islands News
The opposition coalition in the Cook Islands has split following the Democratic Party leader's retraction of support for his counterpart in the One Cook Islands Party who's facing trial for corruption.
The One Cook Islands Party president George Turia has written to the Democratic Party president Sean Willis confirming the breakup.
Mr Turia says in light of the stance of the Democrats' leader William Heather towards the leader of One Cook Islands, Teina Bishop, he saw no other option but to formally withdraw support for the partnership.
Mr Heather earlier retracted his support for Mr Bishop via a statement in the Cook Islands News.
Mr Turia said the decision to split had not been taken lightly.
He said Mr Heather's failure to consult with One Cook Islands before making the statement and announcing his shadow cabinet has undermined the partnership.
