1930 to 1939

15 Sep 1934: 1st elected to Federal Parliament

McEwen was elected as Member of Parliament for the seat of Echuca (Vic.), in the 14th federal election.

1950 to 1959

26 Mar 1958: Country Party leader

McEwen was elected as leader of the Country Party and deputy prime minister after Arthur Fadden retired.

1960 to 1969

19 Dec 1967: 18th Prime Minister

McEwen was sworn in as prime minister 2 days after Harold Holt disappeared in the ocean off Portsea, Victoria. He was appointed as ‘caretaker’ prime minister, on the understanding that he would step down once the Liberal Party elected a new leader.

10 Jan 1968: Left office

McEwen was prime minister from 19 December 1967 to 10 January 1968, when he stood down for new Liberal Party leader, John Gorton.

1970 to 1979

1 Feb 1971: Left Parliament

McEwen served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade in Gorton’s government until he retired from Parliament in Feb 1971

1980 to 1989

20 Nov 1980: Death

McEwen died at his Toorak home, aged 80.