The press took a keen interest in the leadership contest, which was one of the first in which a party chose a new prime minister in an open fashion with multiple viable candidates. In Melbourne, The Age endorsed Menzies as the new prime minister on 8 April, only a day after Lyons' death.[3]The Argus endorsed Casey, arguing that had remained remain loyal to Lyons and the government where Menzies had not.[4]The Herald on 12 April stated a slight preference for Bruce, but observed that it would probably be too difficult to recall him from London and that Menzies was the only other alternative. It gave a more enthusiastic endorsement of Menzies two days later.[5] In Sydney, The Daily Telegraph supported Casey,[4] while The Sydney Morning Herald was an "earnest advocate of recalling Bruce".[6]