 A week later, it merged with the Pan Melanesia Congress and the Advance People's Party, increasing their numbers to thirteen and making them the second largest party in the National Parliament after the governing National Alliance Party.The merger was queried by former leader Agiru, who highlighted the regulatory requirements for amalgamation under the Integrity Law.In January 2004, Akoitai and Agiru attempted to eject eight United Resources Party MPs who had been originally elected as independents from the party