1971 Liberal Party of Australia leadership spill

Liberal Party of Australia Leadership confidence motion, 1971

← 1969 10 March 1971

Candidate John Gorton No confidence Caucus vote 33 33 Percentage 50.0% 50.0% Seat Higgins (Vic.)

Leader before election John Gorton Elected Leader John Gorton

Liberal Party of Australia
leadership spill, 1971

10 March 1971 1972 →

Candidate William McMahon Billy Snedden First ballot 40 (est.) 26 (est.) Seat Lowe (NSW) Bruce (Vic.)

Leader before election John Gorton Elected Leader William McMahon

The Liberal Party of Australia held a leadership spill on 10 March 1971. Prime Minister John Gorton called for a vote of confidence in his leadership, which was tied, prompting Gorton to resign. William McMahon subsequently defeated Billy Snedden for the leadership, and was sworn in as prime minister on the same day. Gorton was elected as his deputy, defeating Malcolm Fraser and David Fairbairn.