Turnbull's views on MP Kelly leave Government reeling again

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull's public intervention in Liberal Party politics over whether the party should protect MP Craig Kelly from a preselection battle has left the Morrison Government again trying to patch up dissension within the ranks.

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has in a series of tweets expressed his views on the candidacy of Craig Kelly. Source: AAP

Mr Turnbull called on the party to take a stand against Mr Kelly's reported threats to move to the crossbench, but the New South Wales State Executive instead re-endorsed him as the Liberal candidate for Hughes.

Mr Turnbull has also urged Prime Minister Scott Morrison to go to an early federal election in a bid to stave off a state Liberal defeat in New South Wales.