He had made the party an important member of the National United Party-led coalition of Prime Minister Ham Lini but in July 2007, apparently due to corruption charges put against Kilman's secretary[citation needed], Lini expelled the People's Progress Party from the cabinet.

Kilman formed his first legal cabinet in June 2011 and his government was reflected in 2012, with PPP winning six seats.

The party was forced into opposition in 2013 when Kilman resigned and Moana Carcasses became prime minister.

After 3 MPs crossed the floor Sato Kilman led government again in 2015 until the end of the legislature.

[2] Following the 2022 election the PPP won 2 seats and joined the government coalition, with Sato Kilman being granted the position of deputy prime minister.