Australia Elections: Labor leader Albanese claims victory

Canberra, May 21: Anthony Albanese has claimed victory for his Labor Party after incumbent Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded defeat in Australia's federal elections held on Saturday.  The election results would end the coalition's nearly nine-year hold on power with Albanese set to become Australia's 31st Prime Minister.  

Addressing supporters, Albanese pledged to bring Australians together, Xinhua news agency reported. "I say to my fellow Australians, thank you for this extraordinary honour. Tonight, the Australian people have voted for change," he said. Labor's victory was delivered by large swings in the party's favour and a collapse in support for the coalition.  

Conceding defeat, Morrison, who spoke to Albanese earlier to congratulate him on his election victory, took responsibility for the results and announced he would step down as leader of the Liberal Party.  "To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and who have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses," he told supporters.  "As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under a new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do," he added. IANS