 During the negotiations for the reconstruction of the ministry, an advance was made to Swinburne to take over the leadership of the party, and Bent offered to retire in his favour, but Swinburne, weary from overwork, could see no way of reconciling the conflicting interests in the party and declined the offer.Swinburne also felt the strain of a motion of censure on him moved in September.Behind this motion were severe attacks made on his probity by "The Age" newspaper.