Bishop urged to run: Liberal leadership chaos takes another turn
Pressure is mounting on Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to run for leadership of the Liberal Party, as turmoil continues in Canberra after parliament was adjourned on Thursday.
The minister is a likely third candidate, alongside Peter Dutton and Scott Morrison, if Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull steps aside and a leadership spill is held on Friday.
Ms Bishop’s office says the Foreign Minister is considering her options, but sources from the cabinet have told Seven News she is being strongly encouraged to nominate herself as a candidate should another Liberal Party leadership spill occur.
She has been pushed in that direction by significant members of the moderate faction and others as the most popular person among the people.
Possible candidates for Liberal leadership
Mr Dutton lost a challenge 48 votes to 35 on Tuesday but wants to have another go at toppling his leader.
Mr Turnbull lost several key allies on Thursday morning and it appears Mr Dutton has the numbers to force a challenge to his leadership.
Mr Morrison is also reportedly preparing to run against Mr Dutton.
The Treasurer declared his support for Mr Turnbull on Wednesday, but multiple media outlets report he could now run for the top job if the prime minister steps aside.
Turnbull announces Friday party room meeting
On Thursday afternoon, Mr Turnbull announced that he will convene a party room meeting on Friday, if he receives a letter signed by a majority of the party room with 43 votes.
The Prime Minister says he won’t stand again if an expected party room meeting on Friday passes a spill motion on his leadership. If the motion is carried, he would regards this as a vote of no confidence and will not stand as a candidate.
But he says first Liberal MPs need to see the advice from the solicitor-general on the eligibility of Peter Dutton to sit in the parliament, in the wake of reports he could be in breach of the constitution.
