Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

'Momentous times': Turnbull won't stand if there's a second leadership ballot

Malcolm Turnbull says he will call a party room meeting on Friday if his challengers can prove they have the numbers to topple him.

Malcolm Turnbull

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull Source: SBS News

  • Turnbull will hold party room meeting if he receives petition
  • Cormann, Cash, Fifield, Hunt, Ciobo, Keenan, Tudge, Taylor quit frontbench
  • Turnbull government successfully moves to adjourn parliament 
  • Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton expected to contest the leadership ballot

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says he will spill the Liberal leadership if he is presented with a petition signed by a majority of members asking him to do so. 

Mr Turnbull said it is his intention to hold the party room meeting at midday Friday and will not stand as a candidate in the ballot. 

He told reporters it is also important Peter Dutton's eligibility to sit in Parliament is clarified first.

Treasurer Scott Morrison has reportedly entered the contest for the Liberal party leadership as senior ministers line up to quit Mr Turnbull's frontbench. 

Mr Morrison emerged as a contender after key ministers Mathias Cormann, Michaelia Cash and Mitch Fifield deserted Mr Turnbull in a move that all but spelled the end of his prime ministership. 

More in English  via SBS News.


1 min read

Published

Updated

By Ali Bahnasawy




Share this with family and friends


News

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS Arabic

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

Arabic Collection

Watch SBS On Demand

Watch now