Frank Noel Wilkes was an Australian politician who served as the Leader of the Labor Opposition in Victoria from 1977 to 1981.
12 Facts About Frank Wilkes
1.
2.
Frank Wilkes served as a Councillor until 1978, but he never became Mayor, as work commitments being both a councillor and a parliamentarian were too great.
3.
Frank Wilkes became a protege of Cain's and joined the Labor Party in 1948, despite his family background in business.
4.
Frank Wilkes was Cain's campaign manager at the 1952 and 1955 state elections.
5.
Frank Wilkes became Labor Whip in 1959, and Deputy Leader in 1967.
6.
Frank Wilkes was a loyal deputy to Clyde Holding, who led the ALP in opposition from 1967 to 1977 and lost three elections to the Liberal Party, first to Henry Bolte and then to Sir Rupert Hamer.
7.
When Holding resigned after the ALP's landslide defeat in 1976, Frank Wilkes claimed the leadership by right of long and loyal service, rather than any outstanding ability.
8.
Frank Wilkes was an uninspiring speaker and no match for the urbane Hamer in Parliament or on the hustings.
9.
Nevertheless, at the 1979 state election, Labor under Frank Wilkes gained eleven seats, the party's best showing for 24 years.
10.
When Cain led Labor to victory in 1982, Frank Wilkes was made Minister for Local Government.
11.
Frank Wilkes retired in 1988 from Parliament after more than 30 years of service.
12.
Frank Wilkes' daughter Helen Buckingham was a Labor member of the Victorian Legislative Council from 2002 to 2006.