Scott Morrison reveals his 'deep regret' in first interview since election loss

Scott Morrison has revealed the one thing he regrets from his time as prime minister, and it has nothing to do with his decision to secretly appoint himself into five ministries.

The former PM sat down with Sky News reporter Paul Murray, which aired on Monday night, in what was his first interview since his election loss in May.

Despite being up against intense scrutiny in recent weeks for his actions which blindsided both his cabinet and the rest of the country, the Liberal backbencher insists he did "what was best for the country".

While he doesn't regret the secrecy of his actions, there is one "deep regret" he has and that's to do with family.

He told Murray during the pre-recorded interview his time as prime minister came with a "painful cost" for his daughters.

He regrets the toll his political life had on his children, he revealed.

"Tony Abbott used to say, we’re volunteers, they’re conscripts and that’s probably one of the truest things Tony’s ever said, and very wise," Mr Morrison said.

"You deeply regret their cost —that's what hurts the most.

"They lived their entire lives with me in parliament, and most of it with me as a minister."

Mr Morrison said he didn’t regret "the choices I’ve made to serve my country in politics" nor did his wife Jenny and the rest of their family.

"We've all paid this price happily," he said.

Morrison switches focus – politically and personally

The former PM also revealed what he is looking forward to next, both politically and personally.

Despite the Albanese government issuing a probe into Mr Morrison's recent revelations — led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell — the former PM made clear he will ignore the "political circus" and focus on himself instead.

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"I look forward to continuing to be a really effective local member of parliament," Mr Morrison said of his change in role, which comes with a pay cut reported to be $500,000 to $211,250 per year.

He wants to spend more time with his family in their home in Sydney's Sutherland Shire, and he even has time to explore his passion — playing golf.

"You know, I will be doing a bit more of things, possibly, you know, in addition to my parliamentary responsibilities, which many members of parliament do,"’ he said.

"I’ve started playing golf again. I hadn’t picked up a club in about 15 years. I have picked up the bug a bit."

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