Australia's conservative Prime Minister John Howard conceded defeat in elections on Saturday, clearing the way for centre-left Labor Party.
SYDNEY: Australia's conservative Prime Minister John Howard conceded defeat in elections Saturday, clearing the way for centre-left Labor Party leader Kevin Rudd to take power.
"A few minutes ago I telephoned Mr Rudd and I congratulated him and the Australian Labor Party on a very emphatic victory," Howard told emotional supporters in a speech broadcast live from his election headquarters.
"This is great democracy and I want to wish Mr Rudd well," said Howard, a close ally of US President George W. Bush in the 'war on terror'.
"He assumes the mantle of the 26th prime minister of Australia and I want to say that there is no prouder job a man can occupy than being the prime minister of Australia.
"I wish him well in the task that he will undertake and I want to say on behalf of the coalition that has governed this country for the last 11 and a half years that we bequeath to him a nation that is stronger and prouder.
"I have reformed the Australian economy and left it the envy of the world."
Looking emotional, the Liberal Party leader entered the Wentworth Hotel to cheers of "Howard, Howard, Howard" accompanied by his wife Janette and his sons Richard and Tim.
In a short speech interrupted several times by supporters yelling calls such as "We love you Johnny", Howard stated his confidence in his record and stressed that Australia's best years lay ahead.
The conservative leader, who has led a Liberal-National coalition to victory in four previous elections, also accepted responsibility for the government's crushing defeat.
"I accept full responsibility for the Liberal Party campaign and therefore accept full responsibility for the Liberal Party's defeat," said Howard, who is also likely to lose the Sydney electorate he has held for 33 years.
Howard paid tribute to his wife Janette and their children for the support they gave him during his political career.
"She's not only been the love of my life but she's been my rock and my adviser and my life's companion for 36 years and through all of my ups and downs," he said.
The mood was of sad resignation among about 500 government supporters gathered at the Wentworth Hotel to console each other over a drink and listen to Howard concede defeat.
"It's the convict nature of Australians," downcast supporter Sid Fischer said of the Labor Party's sweeping victory. "They don't like the boss. They don't like authority."
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