1966 Liberal Party of Australia leadership election
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The Liberal Party of Australia held a leadership ballot on 20 January 1966, following the resignation of Robert Menzies. Incumbent deputy leader Harold Holt was elected unopposed as his successor, and was sworn in as prime minister on 26 January. William McMahon defeated Paul Hasluck in the ballot to replace Holt as deputy leader.
Background
Robert Menzies had been leader of the Liberal Party since its foundation in 1945, and prime minister since 1949. There had been persistent rumours that he would retire since 1951.[1] He turned seventy-one in December 1965, and on 26 December informed his press secretary, Tony Eggleton, that he would leave office early the following year. Holt was allegedly tipped off that Menzies was going to stand down, and, on 19 January 1966 Menzies told cabinet of his intentions. The following day called a joint meeting of the Coalition (the Liberal Party and the Country Party) during which he announced his resignation.[1][2]
Leadership election
About 15 minutes after the joint meeting ended, the Liberal Party met separately to elect Menzies' successor.
Deputy leadership election
As Holt had assumed the leadership, there was also a vote held for the deputy leadership.
References
- ^ Allen and Unwin. p. 131.
- Allen and Unwin. p. 132.
- ^ a b PM resigns: Holt to name Cabinet Tuesday, The Canberra Times, 21 January 1966.
- ^ Frame (2005), p. 137.
- ^ Mr Holt warns his ministry, The Canberra Times, 27 January 1966.