John Howard never faltered in his ambition to become Prime Minister. His battles with Andrew Peacock for leadership of the Opposition Liberal Party throughout the 1980s seemed only to sharpen his resolve for comeback and ultimate success. The tenacious Howard was elected Party Leader again in 1995, following the unsuccessful performances of John Hewson and Alexander Downer. He finally triumphed with his election victory over Paul Keating in 1996 and went on to win three more elections.

The story of John Howard told through the cartoons of Pickering and Pryor during the 1980s is ultimately one of resolute determination against the odds. Both cartoonists caricature Howard as an unlikely leader struggling to make the grand impression he so desperately desires. In his earlier cartoons of Howard, Pryor often includes the figure of Liberal Party stalwart, Tony Eggleton, giving advice to an enthusiastic if misdirected Howard. Ten years on, Pryor caricatures him as Prime Minister and confident director of the tax reform script he has urged for so many years.

Treasurer John Howard balances inflation and unemployment.

Director of tax reform – Prime Minister John Howard.