Tonga’s Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni has abruptly quit his post in parliament ahead of a planned confidence vote in his leadership, capping a period of fraught relations between his government and Tonga’s king.

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Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni has resigned, citing the nation's progress as his reason. His decision precedes a no-confidence vote. King Tupou VI accepted his resignation, with parliament set to discuss new nominations for the premier on December 24.

Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, the Tonga Prime Minister, has resigned rather than face a no-confidence motion. Parliament was to discuss Mr Sovaleni’s leadership on Monday with ‘Aisake Eke poised to bring on the motion on behalf of 10 MPs.

Sovaleni has butted heads with Tonga's influential King Tupou VI, fueling speculation of a deepening rift between the royals and his government

Tonga's parliament must elect a new prime minister following the resignation of Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni after three years in the job.

It was not immediately clear who was in line to replace Siaosi Sovaleni, who was earlier forced to deny allegations of insulting the king.