ANTHONY ALBANESE PM FOR THE PEOPLE

AFTER BEING SWEPT TO POWER IN A SHOCK ELECTION RESULT. AUSTRALIANS ARE GETTING TO KNOW OUR NEW LEADER

- Penelope Clifton

It's the ultimate rags to riches story or should we say poverty to power. Born to a single mother on a disability pension and raised in public housing, Anthony Albanese's life-long dream of becoming Australia's Prime Minister came true on May 23, when he was sworn in as the 31st leader of our nation.

"We didn't have much - but we had each other. And that was enough," he's said in the past, while after his convincing electoral victory, he also referenced his childhood during his victory speech. "I want every parent to be able to tell their child no matter where you live or where you come from, in Australia the doors of opportunity are open to us all," the 59-year-old told a raucous crowd of supporters.

By his side was his partner, Jodie Haydon - a quiet but steadfast anchor for the Marrickville-based politician. After splitting from his wife of 19 years, former NSW deputy premier Carmel Tebbutt in early 2019, Albo admitted he was left emotionally bruised. But in 2020, he'd met Haydon at a function.