Danny Philip

Danny Philip (born 5 August 1953) is a politician and diplomat from Solomon Islands. He was Prime Minister of Solomon Islands from 2010 to 2011. Previously he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 1996 and again from July 2000 to June 2001. He was the leader of the People's Progressive Party from 1997 to 2000, then founded the Reform Democratic Party, of which he was the leader when elected Prime Minister.[1][2][3]

Danny Philip
Philip at the Pacific Islands Forum in Auckland (2011)
Prime Minister of Solomon Islands
In office 25 August 2010 – 16 November 2011
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Governor General	Frank Kabui
Deputy	Manasseh Maelanga
Preceded by	Derek Sikua
Succeeded by	Gordon Darcy Lilo
Member of Parliament for South New Georgia/Rendova/Tetepari
Personal details
Born	5 August 1953 Lokuru, Solomon Islands
Political party	United Democratic Party
Other political affiliations	Reform Democratic Party (Before 2019) People's Progressive Party (Before 2000)
Spouse(s)	Margaret Philip

Personal life

Danny Philip was born on 5 August 1953.[4][5] His mother, who suffered from poliomyelitis, died just two days after his birth.[4]

Philip has been an English teacher and linguist by profession.[4] He is from the town of Lokuru, which is located on Rendova Island, Western Province.[4] Philip is married to his current wife, Margaret Philip. He has two former wives from previous marriages.[6]

Political career

Philip previously served four terms in the National Parliament of Solomon Islands between 1984 and 2001.[7] He represented the Vona Vona-Rendova-Tetepare constituency from 1984 until 1993.[7] Philip was then elected as the MP from the South New Georgia-Rendova-Tetepare constuency from 1994 until 2001.[7]

Philip served as the Solomon Islands' Foreign Minister for two tenures, 1995 to 1996 and again from July 2000 to June 2001.[5]

Philip is currently the Member of Parliament representing South New Georgia-Rendova-Tetepare as of 2019.[7]

Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands

Philip was narrowly elected the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands on 24 August 2010, following the 2010 general election.[8] Philip and his supporters, who constituted the so-called "Pacific Casino camp,"[9] narrowly defeated Steve Abana, the leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, by just three votes: Philip received 26 votes while Abana garnered 23.[8] He replaced caretaker Prime Minister Derek Sikua.

In a victory speech following the Prime Minister election, Philip stated that his first priority would be to form a new government.[8] He said his government would actively support the country's Constitutional Reform process.[8] This had been one of his central campaign pledges, and reason for creating the Reform Democratic Party.[3]

Upon naming his Cabinet, he appointed Manasseh Maelanga as his deputy.[10]

On 11 November 2011, after the defection of five ministers and seven backbenchers to the Opposition, Philip resigned rather than face a motion of no confidence. He led an interim government until Parliament elected a new Prime Minister on 16 November.[11][12] Gordon Darcy Lilo, a member of Philip's National Coalition for Reform and Advancement, was elected as his successor on 16 November.

Philip elected to remain in parliament as a backbencher after leaving the Prime Minister's office.[5]

References

1. "Solomons Islands get new PM weeks after election", BBC, 25 August 2010
2. "Philips elected new Solomons PM". The Southland Times. Associated Press. 25 August 2010. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
3. "Party vows to reform constitution" Archived 2 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine, Island Sun, 12 July 2010
4. Habru, Priestley (26 August 2010). "New PM dedicates win to late mum". Island Sun. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
5. Osifelo, Eddie (24 November 2011). "Former PM now a backbencher". Solomon Times. Archived from the original on 10 April 2012. Retrieved 4 December 2011.
6. "Solomons Aid Contracts Go To Philip's Wife, Family". Solomon Star. Pacific Islands Reports. 31 October 2011. Archived from the original on 15 November 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2010.
7. "Steve Abana or Danny Philip for PM". Solomon Times. 23 August 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
8. "Danny Philip is Prime Minister". Solomon Times. 25 August 2010. Archived from the original on 30 November 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
9. "Nation Awaits". Solomon Times. 25 August 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
10. "PM Philip name ministers" Archived 2 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine, Island Sun, 27 August 2010
11. "PM Resigns" Archived 2 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Solomon Star, 11 November 2011
12. "Solomons MPs to elect new prime minister on Wednesday", Radio New Zealand International, 11 November 2011

External links

• Solomon Star: Philip lays bare policies on major issues
• Solomon Islands Prime Ministerial contenders named from RNZI
• PM Philip Hails New Zealand's Assistance Programs
• Solomons PM Danny Philip resigns – report