Following weeks of speculation, former prime minister Tony Abbott has confirmed he will recontest the seat of Warringah at the next election.
After being ousted from the top job, Mr Abbott says his future in federal politics isn't over.
"I said that I would spend some time talking to family, trusted colleagues and local Liberals about my future," he said in a statement on Sunday night.
"I have been heartened by the support and encouragement I've received to continue to serve the country as a member of parliament."
Mr Abbott said he hoped to improve transport on the Warringah peninsula if re-elected.
Preselections for federal Liberal seats in NSW opened on Tuesday, putting pressure on Mr Abbott to decide whether to recontest.
The move comes following speculation the former prime minister would fight for his seat.
Mr Abbott has been publicly supported by some Liberal ministers, including cabinet minister Greg Hunt and former cabinet minister Eric Abetz.
Mr Hunt told reporters on Friday there was still plenty of room within the Liberals for Mr Abbott.
"It's a broad church in there and places for many people," Mr Hunt said in Melbourne.
A spokesman for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said his office would not be commenting on the announcement at this time.
Before the announcement, made on Mr Abbott's personal website, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten dubbed him the "Terminator" for considering the move.
"I don't know about you, but like many Australians (I) share the relief that Tony Abbott's gone although I notice today that a bit like the Terminator, he's vowing to have Tony Abbott 2.0, he will be back," Mr Shorten told ABC radio in Cairns on Wednesday.
Liberal Member for Hughes Craig Kelly welcomed Mr Abbott's announcement.
"This is a very positive decision for the Liberal Party in its entirety," he told Sky News.
"Tony still has a lot to contribute and it's important that we have our experienced members of parliament sitting on the backbench, if they have to, helping all the newer, younger members of parliament."
Mr Turnbull had nothing to worry about, Mr Kelly said.
Mr Abbott's decision to stay in politics was unlikely to lead to the Rudd-Gillard rivalry of the Labor party, he said.
Share
