[3] As the second and longest-serving head of government in the Territory, he led the CLP to comprehensive election victories in 1980 and 1983.

During his tenure, the Northern Territory was essentially a one-party state; he never faced more than seven opposition MLAs.

Everingham was sworn in as Majority Leader at the age of 34 years, five months and nine days; he is still the youngest-ever head of government in Territory history.

On election day, the race was very close, but Everingham's first-count lead proved too much for Reeves to overcome.

He was a member of the shadow ministry until September 1985 when Peacock was replaced as Liberal leader by John Howard.

After his time in the House of Representatives, Everingham served as President of the Queensland Liberal Party from 1990 to 1994.