An election for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Australia took place on 20 December 1972, following former Prime Minister William McMahon's resignation after his defeat at the 1972 federal election. Billy Snedden was successful in winning the leadership, narrowly beating Nigel Bowen by 30 votes to 29 on the fifth ballot. The previous ballot was tied at 29 each, with one MP not voting. James Killen, John Gorton, and Malcolm Fraser had earlier been eliminated from contention, in that order.^[1]

1972 Liberal Party of Australia
leadership election

← 1971 20 December 1972 1975 →

Candidate Billy Snedden Nigel Bowen Malcolm Fraser First Ballot Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain Second Ballot Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain Third Ballot Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain Fourth Ballot 29 (50.0%) 29 (50.0%) Eliminated Fifth Ballot 30 (50.9%) 29 (49.1%) Eliminated Seat Bruce (Vic.) Parramatta (NSW) Wannon (Vic.)   Candidate John Gorton James Killen First Ballot Uncertain Uncertain Second Ballot Uncertain Eliminated Third Ballot Eliminated Eliminated Fourth Ballot Eliminated Eliminated Fifth Ballot Eliminated Eliminated Seat Higgins (Vic.) Moreton (Qld.)

Leader before election William McMahon Elected Leader Billy Snedden