Saudi king names his son as heir to the throne

Washington

SAUDI Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman was named to replace his cousin as heir to the throne in a shake-up that consolidates the 31-year-old leader's power in the world's biggest oil exporter.

The king's decision to elevate his son, who already controlled the defence, oil and economy portfolios, was supported by 31 out of 34 members of the Allegiance Council, made up of senior members of the ruling Al Saud family. In a royal decree, King Salman also relieved Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef from his post as interior minister.