John Gorton resigned as the Prime Minister of Australia and the leader of the Liberal Party following a secret ballot vote of confidence that revealed waning support from his colleagues. The vote, held within the ranks of the Liberal Party, concluded with William McMahon being appointed to both positions. Gorton, who had previously been a prominent figure in the Australian Senate and had served as Prime Minister since 1968, had faced difficulties amidst the shifting political landscape, including tensions over policies and party unity.

In the lead-up to the ballot, Diverging views within the Liberal Party had led to speculation about Gorton’s future. Dealing with issues such as Vietnam War attitudes and domestic policies, Gorton’s leadership had come under scrutiny. This internal struggle culminated in the decisive vote that placed McMahon at the helm of the party and the nation. McMahon, a veteran politician, had served in various Cabinet positions and was perceived as a more traditional conservative figure, which appealed to party members seeking stability.

The transition in leadership symbolized a significant moment in Australian politics, marking a shift from the more progressive policies under Gorton to a more conservative approach under McMahon. The political realignment laid the groundwork for future reforms and party dynamics. Furthermore, Gorton’s resignation and McMahon's ascent changed the nature of Liberal Party politics, influencing subsequent elections and party strategies in the years to follow.