East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has not only just joined the People’s Reform Party (PRP) but has also been appointed as its new Party Leader, in what observers say could be a significant reshaping of Papua New Guinea’s political landscape. The announcement was made Today Sunday 31st August 2025 at Dream Inn in Port Moresby city, where PRP founder and North Fly MP James Donald said the party’s executive unanimously endorsed Bird to take over leadership. “If Allan Bird is going to join the party, we also agree that he takes the leadership,” Donald declared, describing the decision as a sacrifice for the greater good of the country. Bird, who had been an independent MP for more than two years, said he had considered retiring from politics altogether. But the calls from his East Sepik constituents and the wider public convinced him to continue, including fellow Politician, Bryan Kramer. Governor Bird revealed that five political parties had approached him to join their ranks, but he set strict conditions before making a move. He said he wanted a party that must stand for reforms and was ready for action. The party must not be based in his Momase region, and the party must be led by ambitious, principled young leaders, and lastly the party must not carry “bad political baggage” from the past. “People’s Reform Party ticked all the boxes,” Bird said. “They have no history of bad decisions that I would have to defend. They are a clean slate.” Founded in August 2018, PRP is one of the country’s youngest parties. It first entered parliament in 2022 with the election of James Donald, who has led the party since its inception. The party’s emblem and colors are red, black, and white that symbolize courage in reform, strength in decision-making, and honesty in governance. By handing over leadership to Governor Bird, Donald said PRP was demonstrating humility and unity. “It is about dropping egos and seeing the bigger picture,” he told the crowd. In his maiden speech as PRP leader, Bird repeated his long-standing call for a “hard reset” of Papua New Guinea’s governance. He likened the country to a “sick patient in hospital” needing bitter medicine rather than “sweet promises.” “We are going to be honest with Papua New Guineans. Corruption is out of control, crime is out of control, young people have no opportunities. We need hard reforms, not easy talk,” Bird said. He announced that PRP would use digital platforms to allow members and citizens to participate directly in policy debates, party governance, and even decisions on how MPs should vote in parliament. “This party is going to give control back to the people,” he said. “If we want transparency in government, it must start in our own party.” The appointment of Bird, a two-term governor with national recognition, gives PRP its highest-profile leader to date. Analysts say it could position the party as a reformist alternative ahead of the 2027 general election. For now, Bird says he is focused on building a team of like-minded leaders committed to “taking the hard road” for genuine change. “Change comes at a price. It will not be easy. But if you believe this country deserves better, then this is the journey we must take together,” he told supporters.