Albert Tonks was elected to Parliament in 3327. Prior to his election to Parliament, Tonks was a well-known journalist and academic. He taught at at least 11 different institutions, specializing in marine biology and international relations, before his election to Parliament. Following the defeat of the Liberals in 3331, Malcolm Gipson and his entire cabinet announced that none of them would contest the vacant leadership spots. After receiving significant encouragement, Tonks ran for and won the leadership. He led on every ballot and ultimately won by just under 2%.