After Labor lost the 1998 election, Simon Crean was selected to take over as the party’s deputy leader in place of Gareth Evans. In 2001, he took over as leader of the Labor Party after Kim Beazley stepped down, eventually becoming the Leader of the Opposition.
Despite his early popularity, Crean struggled in the polls, which made people doubt his ability to lead. In June 2003, Kim Beazley challenged him for leadership, but Crean prevailed.
Despite continuous suspicions regarding his leadership, Crean announced his resignation from the Labor Party in November 2003, making him the first leader to do so without running for office in a federal election.
Mark Latham, his Shadow Treasurer, succeeded him.
Even though he lost the leadership position, Crean continued to play a prominent role in the Labor Party.
After the Labor Party won the 2007 election, he returned to the Cabinet as the Minister for Trade. Under Julia Gillard’s direction, Crean remained in the Cabinet and supported her in her successful attempt to topple Kevin Rudd as prime minister in June 2010.
Crean claimed in March 2013 that he was flipping to Rudd’s side after supporting Gillard during the 2012 leadership race. This declaration sparked a fresh leadership race. In response, Gillard kicked him out of the Cabinet.
Ultimately, when Rudd reclaimed the office of Prime Minister in the leadership coup in June 2013, Crean unsuccessfully sought the role of Deputy Leader. He later declared that he will leave politics after the 2013 election.
Simon Crean death: How did Simon Crean die?
The former ALP leader passed away on Sunday at the age of 74 while attending business and trade meetings in Europe. It is believed that he suffered a heart attack while hiking in Germany.