1956 Australian Labor Party leadership spill
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A leadership spill of the Australian Labor Party (ALP), then the opposition party in the Parliament of Australia, was held on 16 February 1956.
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16 February 1956
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Background
Labor frontbencher Allan Fraser unsuccessfully challenged ALP leader H. V. Evatt. Fraser was a known maverick who thought Evatt unelectable, and was derisive of his handling of the Industrial Groups and the ensuing "split" in the Labor Party.[1]
Evatt was re-elected comfortably by 58 votes to 20. Arthur Calwell was re-elected deputy leader, securing 42 votes against 20 for Eddie Ward and 14 for Les Haylen.[2]
Results
The following table gives the ballot results:
| Name | Votes | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| H. V. Evatt | 58 | 74.35 | |
| Allan Fraser | 20 | 25.65 | |