An opposition MP in the Cook Islands has confirmed she plans to cross the floor to the government benches.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The announcement followed a by-election earlier this week which resulted in a win for the opposition Democratic Party and a hung parliament for the country.
With the party's Tehani Brown announcing her intention to join the ruling Cook Islands Party, the government would maintain its majority in the house.
However, the Democratic Party leader Tina Browne said there was legislation preventing party hopping.
She said doing so would force a by-election for the Tengatangi-Areora-Ngatiarua seat.
Tina Browne said she hadn't yet spoken with Tehani Brown since her announcement, but hoped to have the situation confirmed before parliament next sits.
