New Abbott leadership crisis
A new crisis has gripped Tony Abbott's leadership after a senior figure in the Liberal Party organisational wing urged massive change in the Prime Minister's Office to save the Government.
In an extraordinary email to the 27 members of the Liberal Party's Federal executive, honorary treasurer Philip Higginson has demanded it rustle up the courage to end the conflict of interests caused by Mr Abbott's chief of staff Peta Credlin being married to the party's Federal director, Brian Loughnane.
"I am overwhelmed daily by the sheer vitriol, and pent-up animosities, and enmities that exist, and we are all personally affected by it and contributing to it, the longer the conflict of interest exists," Mr Higginson wrote in his email, sent on Sunday.
"I haven't worked pro bono for over four years in this role and over 10 for my good friend (Mr Abbott) to see him brought down in this way. We all need to do our bit to encourage him to see what is so plain for all to see.
"When, as a party overall, are we going to grow the necessary knowledge of good governance practice and develop the necessary courage to tackle this serious problem?"
Mr Higginson's email reflects broad concern within the Liberal Party that MPs worried about the "command and control" culture within the PM's Office have no one to safely confide in.
_The West Australian _ understands there is already a belief in some quarters of the Liberal party room that another attempt on Mr Abbott's leadership will be made late next month. Ms Credlin has disappeared from public view since the leadership spill motion a fortnight ago.
Those in the Liberal party room urging for Mr Abbott to be given more time are matched by those arguing the PM is leading the Government to disaster.
There is also concern Mr Abbott's unpopularity will affect Premier Mike Baird's election prospects in the NSW State election late next month.
Mr Higginson said that if the conflict of interests between the PMO and the party's secretariat weren't so serious he would find it "almost amusing".
"How this party ever let a husband-and-wife team into those two key roles where collegiate competitive tension is mandatory and private consultations between colleagues to see each side is served well, is a complete mystery," he wrote.
The email was sent to Mr Abbott, party president Richard Alston, Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop, Attorney-General George Brandis, Employment Minister Eric Abetz and several State party figures.
