Joseph Cook

Cook became the leader of the Commonwealth Liberal Party in 1913, succeeding Alfred Deakin. He led the party to a narrow victory in the 1913 federal election, forming a minority government that lasted until 1914.

Joseph Cook became Prime Minister of Australia in June 1913, leading a Liberal government. When World War I broke out in August 1914, Cook's government declared Australia's support for Britain and began military preparations, but he lost the subsequent federal election in September 1914.

Cook's Liberal government was defeated in the double dissolution election of September 1914, called over the Government Ships Bill. The Labor Party under Andrew Fisher won a majority, ending Cook's brief prime ministership after just over a year.

Cook served as a member of the Australian delegation to the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, alongside Prime Minister Billy Hughes. He contributed to negotiations on the Treaty of Versailles and the establishment of the League of Nations.

Cook retired from the House of Representatives in 1921, after serving as a member since federation. He was later appointed as a member of the Australian delegation to the League of Nations and served as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1921 to 1927.