Resignation of John Gorton

Date: March 10, 1971 • Location: Canberra, Australia

John Gorton resigns as Prime Minister of Australia and the leader of the Liberal Party of Australia after a secret ballot vote of confidence, being replaced in both positions by William McMahon.

Sir John Grey Gorton was the 19th prime minister of Australia, serving from 1968 to 1971. He held office as the leader of the Liberal Party of Australia, having previously served as a senator for Victoria. He was the first and only member of the upper house of the Parliament to assume the office of prime minister.