Senior Liberals Christopher Pyne and Steve Ciobo to retire, Linda Reynolds joins cabinet

Two of Scott Morrison's ministers will retire from parliament at the election, leaving his frontbench further depleted just weeks out from the federal poll.

Christopher Pyne (left) and Steve Ciobo may retire at the next election, according to reports. (AAP) Source: AAP

Two of Scott Morrison's ministers will retire from parliament at the May election, with Christopher Pyne formally announcing his decision on Saturday.

The Defence Minister confirmed his retirement after 26 years in parliament in a statement on Saturday morning.

Christopher Pyne (left) will follow Steve Ciobo (right) in retiring from parliament.

AAP

 

"I'm confident that I leave my seat in good shape. I'm sure the Liberal Party will retain Sturt at the coming election.

"I have every confidence that the Prime Minister will lead the Coalition to victory when the election is held in May."

 Speaking at a press conference on Saturday morning, Mr Morrison said he was not worried about the run of departures of his party members.  

"The election is about what we are going to do and what we have done," he said. 

"The personalities will change from time to time. But it is what you are doing that matters and what you are going to do that matters."

 Defence Industry Minister Steve Ciobo confirmed on Friday he will quit at the May election and "do something else", preferring to stand down from his ministry immediately.

Mr Morrison has since sworn in Linda Reynolds to cabinet as defence industry minister.

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