Rigo MP Lekwa Gure is now the new party leader of the United Labour Party following the passing of its founder and leader, late Deputy Prime Minister and Bulolo MP Sam Basil. New Deputy Party Leader and Markham MP Koni Iguan made the announcement last night at the traditional hauskrai of late Basil at the Sir John Guise Stadium. “This decision was made at the party caucus held on Sunday night where the party members agreed for Hon. Lekwa to lead the party following our late leader’s passing,” Mr Iguan announced. “Despite the pressure the party has got from the people of Morobe for a Morobe MP to lead the party, Captain Lekwa has been instrumental and supportive to late Basil as his deputy in the last three years and it is proper that he will lead the party.” Meanwhile Mr Iguan said the the party has also appointed him as the deputy leader of the party during the meeting. “Despite the loss of our leader, the candidates endorsed under ULP to contest in this upcoming National General Elections were hand-picked by late Basil himself who saw the potential in them to take the leadership role.” “We will come home strongly.” Earlier this month, late Basil challenged all ULP endorsed candidates around the country to honor the party’s policies when they are given the mandate of the people.