 |
John Grey GortonAustralian politician, 19th Prime Minister of the country.
Date of Birth: 09.09.1911
Country:  Australia |
Content:
Biography of John Grey Gorton
Australian politician, 19th Prime Minister of the country. John Grey Gorton, the second child of John Rose Gorton and Alice Sinn, was born in Melbourne on September 9, 1911. His father had immigrated from England. Gorton received his education at an Anglican school and then graduated from the University of Oxford. After obtaining his degree, he returned to Australia and managed his father's fruit orchard. In 1940, he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force and served as a combat pilot during World War II in Britain, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. He was seriously injured in an aviation accident and was discharged in December 1944.
In December 1949, Gorton entered national administration as a senator from Victoria and remained in his position for over 15 years. During this time, he held various portfolios, including Minister for the Navy, Minister for Works, and Australia's first Minister for Education and Science.
Political Career
In January 1968, Gorton became the Prime Minister, succeeding the missing Harold Holt. His leadership style attracted supporters among voters, but at the same time, it created fierce enemies, including among members of the Liberal Party, of which he was the leader. In 1971, due to a government crisis and a challenge from Malcolm Fraser (then Minister for Defence), Gorton resigned as Prime Minister. In 1975, Gorton left Parliament.
After his resignation, Gorton lived in seclusion in Canberra, occasionally granting interviews to journalists. He briefly led a movement advocating for the legalization of marijuana. He passed away in Sydney.
