PERSON: Mark Latham

Writer, politician

Mark William Latham (born 28 February 1961), an Australian writer and former politician, was leader of the Federal Parliamentary Australian Labor Party and leader of the Opposition from December 2003 to January 2005.

Latham captured national attention and, initially, high levels of public approval with his policies and unconventional approach, but also attracted controversy surrounding his past. In the October 2004 federal election, Latham was defeated by then-incumbent Prime Minister John Howard. Deteriorating relations with his party and ill health saw him resign as Leader and as MP for Werriwa on January 18, 2005 triggering a by-election won by Chris Hayes.

In September 2005, Latham released "The Latham Diaries," in which he attacked many of his former colleagues and members of the media, as well as condemning the general state of political life in Australia. He has since published "A Conga Line of Suckholes," a regular column in the Australian Financial Review and Spectator Australia and an essay for The Monthly.

-- Wikipedia