Peter Khalil calls for new leader in the Bob Hawke mould

Retaining his seat of Wills as Labor fell to a shock defeat was like playing well in a losing grand final, says Peter Khalil, as he calls for a new party leader in the Bob Hawke mould.

Wills Labor MP Peter Khalil is returning to Canberra. Picture: Ian Currie

Returning Wills MP Peter Khalil says the Labor Party should look for a leader in the “Hawke mould” after its shock election defeat.

Mr Khalil was re-elected for a second term ahead of Greens candidate Adam Pulford with an 8.6 per cent margin on two party preferred counts, after 71 per cent of the vote was tallied.

Mr Khalil described his 3.7 per cent positive swing as like playing well in a losing grand final, after the shock win for the coalition.

Peter Khalil in parliament. Picture: Mick Tsikas

He ruled out running for the Labor leadership himself but said Bill Shorten’s replacement as opposition leader needed to reach out to all Australians like former prime minister Bob Hawke.

“The great legacy (Mr Hawke) left was his ability to reach across and be a bridge to Australians of all political persuasions,” Mr Khalil said.

“It’s important for our electoral prospects to reach right across the spectrum.

“The other thing is conviction, Australians want conviction in their policies.”

After spending his first term in opposition, Mr Khalil said he was disappointed he wouldn’t be returning to Canberra in the government.

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“We’ve worked really hard to help thousands of people as a local MP and people respected and acknowledged that,” he said.

“I just wish I could be doing it as part of a government.”

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Despite resigning from the campaign more than two weeks out from election day, Liberal candidate Peter Killin recorded the third most votes in Wills, ahead of Moreland councillor Sue Bolton.

Mr Pulford wrote on Facebook that he was proud of his campaign.

“When I started this campaign I was scared I’d be leaving as a weaker person, but I find myself leaving it stronger,” he wrote.

“The community we’ve built, the conversations we’ve had and the change we want all continue beyond this campaign.”