There had been some caucus dissension in 1974, encouraged by his own deputy, Muldoon, about whether or not Marshall should lead the National Party into the next election, scheduled in 1975.

Believing he would probably lose a vote he sought the advice of MP George Gair who strongly urged him not to stand for re-election.

Muldoon had become a popular figure with the public and adapted well to the new media of television coverage that other politicians struggled with which increased his campaigning abilities.

[3] Muldoon became Leader of the Opposition and went on to lead the National Party to victory in the 1975 general election, becoming Prime Minister of New Zealand.

[2] Marshall retired at the 1975 election, serving as Muldoon's Shadow Minister on Overseas Trade until the dissolution of Parliament.