Julie Bishop eliminated first in Liberal leadership vote
Julie Bishop was eliminated in the race for Australia’s next prime minister after getting the lowest vote in the ballot against Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton.
Malcolm Turnbull quit the job after he called for a spill of leadership positions in a Liberal partyroom meeting on Friday.
Peter Dutton, Scott Morrison and Julie Bishop contested a three-way contest to replace him, with Ms Bishop getting the lowest vote.
The original spill motion was carried 45 votes to 40, meaning almost half the partyroom wanted Mr Turnbull to stay in power.
It is understood Mr Turnbull has not yet indicated to the meeting when he will retire from parliament.
An immediate retirement would trigger a by-election in the NSW seat of Wentworth.
The meeting had been expected to start at midday but was delayed while the 43 signatures on a petition calling for the meeting were verified.
I have just been provided with a request for a meeting of the Parliamentary Liberal Party. It has 43 signatures. As soon as they are verified by the Whips, which should not take long, the meeting will be called.
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) August 24, 2018
Seven News now in rolling coverage as we countdown to the second leadership spill…. Australia will have a new Prime Minister in a matter of hours…. tune in #7News #auspol #libspill
— Jennifer Bechwati (@jenbechwati) August 24, 2018
