Downer Claims Fresh Start for Liberal Party

Opposition leader Alexander Downer has promised a new era of unity and determination for the Federal Liberal Party, following his narrow 7-vote victory over John Hewson in a leadership ballot. Downer, 42, pledged to restore hope for Australia and win the next federal election, with the support of his deputy Peter Costello, 36. Despite the close margin of victory, Downer expressed confidence in receiving total support from federal Liberal MPs.

Key Takeaways:

• Downer claimed the Liberal Party has made a "fresh start" after his leadership victory.
• He promised to restore hope and a bright future for Australia and win the next federal election.
• Downer expressed confidence in receiving total support from federal Liberal MPs, despite the narrow margin of victory.
• Dr. John Hewson pledged "100% support and loyalty" to Downer after his defeat.
• The Liberal Party's new leadership will face challenges in reunifying the party behind their leadership and policies.
• The party will work to close ranks after the bitterness of recent months.
• The party will announce a new, trimmer front bench in the next few days.
• Dr. Michael Wooldridge, a former deputy, expressed bitterness over the role played by the Liberal federal president, Tony Staley, in the campaign to oust him.
• The leadership change has received immediate public expressions of support from the Opposition leader in the Senate, Robert Hill, and the South Australian frontbencher, Ian McLachlan.

Statistics:

• 7 votes - the margin of Downer's victory over Dr. John Hewson.
• 43-36 - the final ballot result, with Downer receiving 43 votes to Hewson's 36.
• 42 - Downer's age.
• 36 - Peter Costello's age.

Sources:

• "Australian: Downer Ousted Extravaganza: Diaries Say", Canberra - June 22
• "Australian: Downer Ousted", Canberra - June 22