The new leader of the Liberal Party, Peter Dutton, has hinted at Scott Morrison’s departure from political life following the Coalition’s great electoral defeat.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton says Scott Morrison has refused to return to the first seat, saying his predecessor is likely to leave politics before the next election.
Morrison stepped down as leader after the Liberal Party’s final defeat in the May 21 federal election, paving the way for Dutton to secure the first job.
Despite leading the party to the loss of at least 18 seats, the former prime minister said he would continue in parliament.
But the new Liberal leader has now suggested that his predecessor could step away from politics in the next term.
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When asked by Sky News Australia’s Laura Jayes if there would be a by-election at Morrison’s secure Cook headquarters, Dutton said there would probably be a decision “at some point”.
“The reality is, as we saw with Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard and others from the federation, that we would expect to see a by-election at some point,” Dutton said.
“But this is a problem that Scott has to work on and I will keep these conversations with him at the right time.
“I think for now, a few days out of the office, I’m sure he’s concentrating on spending more time with his family and his beautiful daughters and getting back to a normal life.”
After losing their respective party or election leadership positions, former prime ministers Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard and Malcolm Turnbull left parliament immediately.
It has been speculated that Mr. Morrison would be elevated back to the first bench for the rest of his time in politics.
Dutton said his predecessor assured him he would serve “much in the mold of John Howard.”
“And John Howard offers advice when asked,” he said.
“Scott Morrison will rightly defend his legacy and correct the record where people have said something that is inaccurate in relation to his contribution as Prime Minister of our country.
“But I think he has now gone to the back seat; he has not sought a seat on the first bank, and we honor his service as the leader of our party and as the former prime minister of our country. “
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is due to present his full ministry on Wednesday after swearing in four other ministers on Monday last week.
The new opposition leader has said he will follow suit and reveal his shadow bank later this week.