Preceded by Terepai Maoate Name Robert Woonton Constituency ? Role Medical doctor | Political party Democratic Party Party Democratic Party Spouse(s) Sue Woonton Succeeded by Jim Marurai | |
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Robert Woonton (born 1949) was the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands from 11 February 2002 until 11 December 2004, and is a member of the centrist Democratic Party. A medical doctor by training, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the island of Manihiki. He became prime minister when his predecessor, Terepai Maoate, also a member of the DAP, resigned after losing a confidence vote.
In September 2004, Woonton and his government held on to power, with the DAP receiving 14 of the 24 seats. Woonton, however, was nearly defeated, and following electoral petitions the result was declared a draw by the court. This resulted in a by-election in Manihiki. Woonton did not seek re-election in the by-election. Henry Puna stood for the Cook Island Party and Api Piho for the DAP. Puna won the by-election. The government was immediately dissolved and Jim Marurai became prime minister.
Woonton was later appointed High Commissioner to New Zealand, but was asked to resign in March 2007, following accusations of plotting with members of parliament to end Marurai's government. Woonton has since returned to practice medicine in New Zealand.