1971 Liberal Party of Australia leadership spill

Liberal Party of Australia Leadership confidence motion, 1971

← 1969 10 March 1971
  John Gorton
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.