Ousted P.M. weeps after resigning

Press, 7 March 1983, Page 1

Ousted P.M. weeps after resigning

From G. G. Shand The defeated Prime Minister, Mr Malcolm Fraser, broke down and wept on the shoulders of his eldest son, Mark, after announcing that he was resigning the leader-

ship of the Liberal Party during an emotion-charged election night. Only moments earlier he had walked out of a press conference visibly upset and close to tears. Mr Fraser — only the

third Prime Minister in Australian history and the first since 1929 to call a snap election and lose — said he accepted full responsibility for the defeat.

“I want to make it quite plain that I will take total responsibility for the.timing of the election. I take total responsibility for the conduct of that election and also for the defeat of the Government,” he said. Mr Fraser’s announcement sparked immediate speculation as to his likely successor.

The two early frontrunners appear to be Mr Andrew Peacock, who unsuccessfully challenged Mr Fraser for the leadership last year, and Mr John Howard, the outgoing Treasurer.

Neither would make any substantial comment on their intentions yesterday.

In his short statement conceding defeat, Mr Fraser congratulated the Labour Party and Mr Hawke on its success.

“I hope they can achieve what they intend for the people of Australia,” he said.

“I think Australia is handed over to Mr Hawke and the Labour Party in as good a condition or better condition than any other Western country in the world.”

There was some speculation yesterday that Mr Fraser might also resign his seat fairly early. However, when asked to comment he said, “I think that can wait for a day or two.”