1956 Australian Labor Party leadership spill
# 1956 Australian Labor Party leadership spill

A leadership spill of the Australian Labor Party (ALP), then the opposition party in the Parliament of Australia, was held on 16 February 1956.

## 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.

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.

## Results

The following table gives the ballot results:

| Name | Name | Votes | Percentage |
| - | - | - | - |
| | H. V. Evatt | 58 | 74.35 |
| | Allan Fraser | 20 | 25.65 |
