Former opposition leader Bill Shorten says he's fully responsible for Labor's surprise loss at the federal election and believes the party gave out too
Insisting he's given up his aim to be prime minister, Mr Shorten did confirm he will recontest his inner Melbourne seat at the next election.
"I just thought the buck stops with me at me so I've got take responsibility." Source: AAP
But he said he had to take responsibility for Labor's electoral loss in May because "I'd have owned it if I won".
"One thing that I did decide immediately right in the hour when I realised that we were going to lose is that I should take responsibility - that's why I stepped down as leader," he told the Sunday Herald Sun.
"I just thought the buck stops with me at me so I've got take responsibility."
The 52-year-old also said he thought Labor had too many messages going into the election.
"In a universe where you can re-run things - of course, we can't - fewer messages," he said.
Anthony Albanese and Bill Shorten walk into caucus meeting together. Source: AAP
"I also accept that our proposals, our tax reforms around franking credits, created a sense of vulnerability and anxiety among older Australians which I clearly underestimated."
The former Labor leader responded "no" when asked if he wanted the top role again.
"I've hung up my leadership running shoes and I support Anthony (Albanese)," he said.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese. Mr Shorten has backed the new party leader. Source: AAP
However the election defeat hasn't put Mr Shorten off politics or dampened his desire to represent people, and he plans to contest his seat of Maribyrnong at the next election.
"It is my intention to try and be in public life for the next 20 years," Mr Shorten said.
With AAP...
