Peter Dutton reveals why he contested Liberal leadership

Former Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton said he contested the leadership of the Liberal party because he wanted to “make sure” Opposition leader Bill Shorten never becomes the Prime Minister.

Mr Dutton thought he would do a better job than Malcolm Turnbull at leading the LNP to victory at the next election and keeping Bill Shorten “from The Lodge”.

“I will work every day to make sure that the Coalition is elected at the next election and I want to make sure that I support the Prime Minister and make sure that we support the policies of the government,” Mr Dutton told reporters in Canberra.

“Because ultimately I never ever want to see Bill Shorten as Prime Minister of this country because it would be a disaster.”

Mr Dutton lost a vote for the leadership 48 to 35 on Tuesday morning. He added he harbours “no animosity” towards Mr Turnbull.

“I’ve always had a very good, productive, working relationship with Malcolm Turnbull,” Mr Dutton said.

“I respect the outcome and I fully support the prime minister and the cabinet.”

However, Mr Dutton did not rule out challenging Mr Turnbull again.

“I’m very proud to have put my hand up because I believed it was for the right purpose,” he said.

Mr Dutton declined to critique the Turnbull government, but he did say he wants to see migration addressed until infrastructure can “catch up” in capital cities.

The prime minister offered Mr Dutton a chance to continue in the Home Affairs ministry, but he declined.

“He has done an outstanding job as home affairs minister, the first home affairs minister in our country’s history, and I want to thank him for his work,” Mr Turnbull said.

“He said to me that he doesn’t feel he can remain in the cabinet, having challenged me to the leadership of the party, and so he is resigning.”

Treasurer Scott Morrison will take on the portfolio until a cabinet reshuffle takes place.

It is understood at least four other ministers could join Mr Dutton on the backbench, having supported him in the ballot against Malcolm Turnbull.

Mr Turnbull said he was working on new ministerial arrangements.

With AAP