Joseph Lyons

Lyons resigned from the Scullin Labor government in 1931, citing opposition to the Premiers' Plan and the influence of the Lang Labor faction. He joined with conservative forces to form the United Australia Party, becoming its leader and subsequently Prime Minister.

Joseph Lyons became Prime Minister of Australia on January 6, 1932, leading the newly formed United Australia Party (UAP). He had defected from the Labor Party in 1931 due to disagreements over economic policy, and his UAP government won a landslide victory in the 1931 election.

Lyons led the UAP to victory in the 1934 and 1937 federal elections, securing a total of three consecutive terms as Prime Minister. His governments focused on economic recovery from the Great Depression and began rearmament programs in response to the growing threat from Japan.

Lyons' government introduced the Trade Diversion Policy in 1936, aimed at protecting Australian manufacturing and reducing reliance on Japanese imports. The policy involved imposing trade restrictions on Japan, which led to a temporary trade war and damaged bilateral relations.

Lyons died of a heart attack on April 7, 1939, becoming the first Australian Prime Minister to die in office. His death occurred during a period of political tension over defense policy and the looming threat of World War II, and led to a leadership crisis within the UAP.