William McMahon

The ‘persistent politician’ ‘Billy’ McMahon was Prime Minister of Australia for a brief and turbulent period between March 1971 and December 1972. McMahon became Prime Minister following John Gorton’s failure to win a party vote of confidence. The Liberal Party was already in turmoil, and many of its members resented his election. McMahon’s perceived inability to fully grasp the reigns of Government made him a popular target for criticism.

The pen of Larry Pickering was no exception. Pickering savaged McMahon’s leadership style but at the same time created an almost lovable character known as ‘The Mascot’. McMahon was a traditionalist in a changing world. Eventually, the reform agenda and popular optimism of Gough Whitlam defeated McMahon in December 1972. Yet, the irrepressible McMahon remained a Member of Parliament for a further 10 years—much to the delight of Pickering fans!

Phil Lynch, Billy Snedden and the irrepressible Billy McMahon.