 He described the atmosphere of the Parliament as "friendly" but was frustrated in Opposition, leading to his decision to transfer to federal politics.He was endorsed as the Country Party's candidate for the seat of Maranoa at the 1949 federal election and was easily elected.Disillusioned by the federal party's inability to act on its election promises, Russell resigned from the parliamentary party on 7 October 1950 when the government refused to raise the exchange rate and imposed a tax on wool.