Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese, center, celebrates with his son Nathan, right, and his partner Jodie Haydon at a Labor Party event in Sydney, Australia on May 22, 2022, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded defeat to Albanese in a federal election. RICK RYCROFT AP CANBERRA - Anthony Albanese has claimed victory for his Labor Party after current Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded defeat in Australia's 2022 federal election held on Satuday.
The Coalition's nearly-nine year hold on power would be ended by the election result, with Albanese becoming Australia's 31st prime minister.
I say to my fellow Australians, thank you for this extraordinary honor. The Australian people voted for change tonight, he said.
Labor's victory was a result of large swings in the party's favor and a collapse in support for the Coalition.
Morrison, who spoke to Albanese earlier in the day to congratulate him on his election victory, took responsibility for the result and announced he would step down as leader of the Liberal Party.
I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and losses, and to my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and who have lost seats tonight.
I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to make sure the party can be taken forward under new leadership, which is the right thing to do.