The Minister for West Honiara, Isaac Enoch Tosika, has been appointed as Leader of Independent MPs.

The appointment was made by the opposition government, which sees Mr. Tosika taking over the leadership role for the independent group of MPs.

National Speaker of Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea, this morning acknowledged the appointment.

He said the appointment fills a requirement that has been standing since the last meeting of Parliament last year.

Mr. Tosika replaces the former leader, Peter Shanel, who has left the position vacant since his imprisonment last year.

The Governor General has endorsed Hon. Tosika on the 25th of last month to officially take on the position of being the leader of the Independence Group.

Speaking in Parliament, Hon. Tosika said the appointment is an honour.

This had been the third appointed since the 2006 election.