1956 Australian Labor Party leadership spill

A leadership spill of the Australian Labor Party (ALP), then the opposition party in the Parliament of Australia, was held on 16 February 1956.

1956 Australian Labor Party
Leadership spill
16 February 1956
 
Candidate H. V. Evatt Allan Fraser
Caucus vote 58 20
Percentage 74.35 25.65
Leader before election

H. V. Evatt

 Elected Leader

H. V. Evatt

Background

Labor frontbencher Allan Fraser unsuccessfully challenged ALP leader H. V. Evatt. Fraser was a known maverick who thought Evatt unelectable, and was derisive of his handling of the Industrial Groups and the ensuing "split" in the Labor Party.[1]

Evatt was re-elected comfortably by 58 votes to 20. Arthur Calwell was re-elected deputy leader, securing 42 votes against 20 for Eddie Ward and 14 for Les Haylen.[2]

Results

The following table gives the ballot results:

Name Votes Percentage
H. V. Evatt 58 74.35
Allan Fraser 20 25.65

See also

References
  1. Lloyd, C. J. "Fraser, Allan Duncan (1902 - 1977)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Australian National University. Retrieved 2007-08-19.
  2. "Dr. Evatt Retains Lab. Leadership". The Central Queensland Herald. 16 February 1956. p. 17.
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