Craig Emerson joins Jay Weatherill for Labor’s poll post mortem

A Gillard government cabinet minister and Jay Weatherill will head a wide-ranging review of Labor’s disastrous election loss.

Former Labor MP Craig Emerson will help in the inquiry of Labor’s poll loss.

Former Gillard government cabinet minister Craig Emerson will join former South Australian premier Jay Weatherill in leading an internal inquiry into Labor’s disastrous loss in the May 18 federal election.

They will be joined by senior figures from around the country including Australian Services Union assistant secretary Linda White, Queensland senator Anthony Chisholm, NSW upper house MP John Graham and West Australian party figure Lenda Oshalem.

After being an overwhelming favourite to win, Labor suffered a 1.39 per cent decline in its primary vote to just 33.34 per cent and Scott Morrison a “miracle’’ victory for the Coalition with a majority in his own right.

The party failed to make expected gains in Victoria and suffered a collapse in its vote in Queensland after anger over its equivocal stance on the Adani coal mine caused it to lose support in coal mining areas.

Former SA premier Jay Weatherill.

It also alienated retirees by proposing changes to franking credit tax refunds and abolishing negative gearing on existing homes.

In the wake of the loss, senior MPs including Labor right figure Joel Fitzgibbon, have called for MPs to be given more freedom to express views that don’t tally with the party line.

Mr Fitzgibbon has also called for the party to given greater weight to the views of MPs in regional areas as part of efforts to widen its electoral appeal.

Leader Bill Shorten resigned his position after the defeat and yesterday national secretary Noah Carroll announced he intends to step down following the completion of the review at a meeting of the national executive.

The report, formalised by the National Executive meeting, will be handed down by October, with written submissions to be accepted from branch members, unions, campaign volunteers and other party figures.

Labor Left figure Paul Erickson is expected to replace Mr Carroll.

Anthony Albanese said Mr Carroll showcased “diligent service” to the Labor cause.

“He is a person who has always acted with integrity and absolute commitment to the cause of Labor,” the Opposition Leader said.

“He leaves this position the thanks and respect of everyone in our movement.”

Mr Erickson was Mr Carroll’s assistant secretary and is from the Victorian Left faction.

The Australian reported last night Mr Carroll was preparing to step down at today’s meeting.