Anthony Albanese nominates himself as next Labor leader
Anthony Albanese has thrown his hat into the ring for the Labor Party’s top job.
“I will be a candidate for leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party,” the MP for Grayndler in Sydney’s inner west said in a press conference today.
“It’s not something that comes to me naturally. It’s not something that growing up very close to here in public housing in Camperdown that you aspire to.
“However I believe … that I have a responsibility to put myself forward because I believe I am the best person to lead Labor back into government.
“We have lost three elections in a row, that has to end,” Mr Albanese said.
Anthony Albanese and Bill Shorten together on the election campaign trail. AAP
Bill Shorten resigned as leader last night after his shock election loss.
Vote for who you think should be next Labor leader here.
Before announcing his nomination for leadership, Mr Albanese said he was devastated by his party’s defeat but said Mr Shorten had fought a tough campaign and led on policy throughout.
Mr Albanese is the bookies’ favourite to win the ALP leadership ballot, with Sportsbet offering odds of 1.33 on him becoming the next ALP leader.
However, Mr Albanese, who is the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport Cities and Regional Development, is likely to have competition from Labor’s deputy leader Tanya Plibersek.
Tanya Plibersek says she may have a tilt at the Labor leadership. AAP
Ms Plibersek confirmed today she is considering also putting herself forward as leader.
Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen’s name has also been discussed, making a three-way leadership battle a possibility.
Ms Plibersek and Mr Albanese are both from the party's left while Mr Bowen, the party's shadow treasurer, is in the NSW right faction.
Both Ms Plibersek and Mr Albanese recorded strong results in their Sydney seats with swings towards the ALP.
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