Elected to the Senate in April 3112, Ken Coburn was one of the first Free Democrats to sit in the legislature. An ultra-conservative, Coburn had few friends in the Senate and this alienated him from the other Free Democrats. Following the resignation of John Barclay, Coburn ran for the leadership of the party in 3128. He was eliminated on the second ballot. Despite his huge defeat, Coburn was brought to the front benches. He became an active figure within the party and he was named Deputy Leader by Esperanza Seei in 3136. Following her resignation, Coburn was acclaimed as the new leader.