BFF-38 Australian Labor leader concedes, resigns after shock poll defeat

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AUSTRALIA-VOTE-SHORTEN

Australian Labor leader concedes, resigns after shock poll defeat

MELBOURNE, May 18, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Australian election favourite Bill Shorten conceded defeat after his Labor party suffered a shock defeat in national polls Saturday, saying he would resign as party leader.

“It is obvious that Labor will not be able to form the next government”, Shorten told disbelieving supporters in Melbourne.

“In the national interest, a short while ago I called (Liberal leader, Prime Minister) Scott Morrison to congratulate him,” he said.

BSS/AFP/MMA/2010HRS