the christian heritage party, founded in 1989, held its first convention in 1990. capill was appointed the new party's leader in june of that year. he remained leader of the party through five elections, but the party failed to win any seats. capill announced his retirement shortly after the 2002 general election, and stepped down in 2003. he was succeeded as party leader by ewen mcqueen. in november 2004 capill resigned from the christian heritage citing differences of opinion over the party's new direction since his retirement.