Albanese claims victory in Australian polls, riding anti-Trump wave

Labor PM, in dramatic comeback against conservatives, lauds voters for courage in adversity

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SYDNEY - Mr Anthony Albanese claimed a historic second term as Australia's Prime Minister on May 3 in a dramatic comeback for the Labor leader against once-resurgent conservatives that was powered by voters' concerns about the influence of US President Donald Trump.

Mr Peter Dutton, leader of the conservative Liberal Party, conceded defeat and the loss of his own seat - echoing the fate of Canada's conservatives and their leader, whose election losses days earlier were also attributed to a Trump backlash.

Supporters at Labor's election party in Sydney cheered and hugged one another as Mr Albanese claimed victory and said his party would form a majority government.

"Our government will choose the Australian way, because we are proud of who we are and all that we have built together in this country," Mr Albanese told supporters.

"We do not need to beg or borrow or copy from anywhere else. We do not seek our inspiration from overseas. We find it right here in our values and in our people," he added.

Mr Albanese ran an almost faultless campaign, turning around polls at the start of the year that had suggested he was headed for defeat. In contrast, Mr Dutton struggled, frequently contradicting himself and backflipping on policies.