Scott Morrison backs former SA Premier John Olsen for Liberal federal president

Former South Australian premier John Olsen has been tipped to become the new federal Liberal Party president after getting a personal nod from Scott Morrison.

Former South Australian premier John Olsen has received a personal recommendation from Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Source: AAP

Former South Australian premier John Olsen has received a personal recommendation from Prime Minister Scott Morrison to become the new federal president of the Liberal Party.

Mr Olsen, 74, was premier from 1996 to 2001 and a Liberal senator in the early 1990s.

He is expected to replace former NSW premier Nick Greiner, who has held the Liberal presidency since 2017 and has said this year will be his last in the role.

It is believed Mr Morrison sounded out Mr Olsen's interest in the presidency before Christmas, but on Sunday the former premier refused to comment, The Australian reported on Monday.

Former Prime Minister John Howard with then-South Australian Premier John Olsen. Source: DIG

However, a party source was quoted as saying, "John is extremely well-regarded and with the PM's backing you can take it to the bank".