Two Lange anniversaries

Tomorrow is the 10th 11th anniversary of the death of David Lange who died on 13 August 2005.

And four days ago was the 26th anniversary of his resignation as Prime Minister on 8 August 1989.

I was a student when Lange resigned. I remember it vividly though, when I heard about it on the radio. Despite the infighting in Labour, no one really thought the incumbent Prime Minister would just throw it in and resign.

I recall thinking that this was probably the day that the 1990 election was decided, as Labour winning without Lange seemed impossible.

His death at age 63 was very sad.  I recall his valedictory speech to Parliament in 1996.  It remains I think the best valedictory speech I have heard – very funny yet also poignant.