Key Malcolm Turnbull ally Craig Laundy has revealed how the emotional and physical toll of the bruising Liberal leadership crisis led him to quit the front bench.
The former workplace and small business minister is weighing up his political future after knocking back an offer to serve in new Prime Minister Scott Morrison's ministry.
"I have not taken this decision lightly, but the significant challenges we faced last week took a massive toll, both emotionally and physically, hence my decision to take a step back, and consider what my future holds," Mr Laundy said in a statement on Monday.
Mr Turnbull was dumped as prime minister on Friday after bitter infighting between warring factions exploded, sparking chaos.
Mr Laundy was aligned with the former prime minister and moderates against conservative forces working to install Peter Dutton in the top job.
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"Malcolm Turnbull was a great leader and we will remain close friends in the years to come," Mr Laundy said.
Both of Mr Laundy's former portfolios have now been elevated to Mr Morrison's cabinet, with Kelly O'Dwyer taking on industrial relations and Michaelia Cash handed small business.
Considered a rising star within the Liberal Party, Mr Laundy holds the inner-western Sydney seat of Reid with a margin of about 4.7 per cent.
He worked in his family's pub empire before entering politics in 2013.
