Sam Basil Photo: Facebook
The former Papua New Guinea government minister and Pangu Pati leader, Sam Basil, is forming a new political party.
Mr Basil has poached members from his former party and the Melanesian Alliance Party to form the United Labour Party.
In a statement, he said the party would be launched this week with nine members, including three ministers and two vice ministers.
The party's launch was delayed by the death of the MP for Menyama, Thomas Pelika, last week from illness.
Meanwhile, an election petition for the disputed Goroka Open seat will be heard in PNG's Supreme Court today.
Bire Kimisopa is petitioning against the incumbent Henry Ame.
