Australian Labour Leader Resigns After Shock Poll Defeat

Australian election favourite Bill Shorten conceded defeat after his Labour party suffered a shock defeat in national polls Saturday, saying he would resign as … Continue reading Australian Labour Leader Resigns After Shock Poll Defeat

By Simon

Updated May 18, 2019

Opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten (R) concedes defeat along with his wife Chloe Shorten (L) after the results of Australia’s general election showing victory for the ruling Coalition Party, in Melboune on May 18, 2019. Australia’s ruling conservative coalition appeared to secure a shock election win on May 18, with the party predicted to have defied expectations and retained power. WILLIAM WEST / AFP

Opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten (R) concedes defeat along with his wife Chloe Shorten (L) in Melboune on May 18, 2019. WILLIAM WEST / AFP

Australian election favourite Bill Shorten conceded defeat after his Labour party suffered a shock defeat in national polls Saturday, saying he would resign as party leader.

“It is obvious that Labour will not be able to form the next government”, Shorten told disbelieving supporters in Melbourne.

“In the national interest, a short while ago I called (Liberal leader, Prime Minister) Scott Morrison to congratulate him,” he said.