Turnbull's Liberal leadership crisis: The 10 ministers offering to resign
A wounded Malcolm Turnbull has rejected the resignations of at least eight cabinet members as he looks to re-establish stability in his government ahead of a looming second leadership challenge.
At least 10 ministers have offered to resign after voting against the prime minister in a snap leadership ballot on Tuesday, but most were rebuffed and will remain on the front bench.
Mr Turnbull defeated his ex-home affairs minister 48 votes to 35 in the Liberal leadership spill, but backers of Mr Dutton believe his support levels are quickly climbing.
Desperate to unite the fractured ruling party, Turnbull has asked the bulk of the cabinet rebels, including Australia’s Trade Minister Steven Ciobo and Greg Hunt, minister for health, to remain in their posts, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop said.
Ministers who have quit
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton resigned from the frontbench after his failed challenge. Mr Turnbull urged his challenger to stay on, but ultimately accepted his resignation.
International Development Minister Concetta Fierravanti-Wells quit, saying she believes the party has moved too far away from conservative voters. Mr Turnbull accepted her resignation.
Ministers who offered to quit
Cabinet
Human Services Minister Michael Keenan offered his resignation after the challenge but later issued a statement of support for the prime minister.
Trade Minister Steve Ciobo offered his resignation which was not accepted. He later issued a call for unity to defeat Labor at the next election
Health Minister Greg Hunt reportedly would have run for deputy had Mr Dutton won the challenge. His resignation was not accepted.
Outer Ministry
Cybersecurity Minister Angus Taylor offered his resignation after the failed leadership challenge. It was not accepted.
Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge also offered his resignation, but it too was rejected.
Assistant Ministers
Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar’s resignation was not accepted.
James McGrath, who is the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister offered his resignation but it too was rejected.
Assistant Science, Jobs and Innovation Minister Zed Seselja also had his offer of resignation turned down.
I’m ready to be prime minister: Shorten
Bill Shorten has declared he is ready to become prime minister as the Liberal Party tears itself apart over the leadership of Malcolm Turnbull.
The Labor leader decried the latest crisis within the government as “deeply disturbing”, saying “no wonder people hate politics”.
With Peter Dutton expected to again challenge Mr Turnbull for the leadership, and even speculation of an early election, Mr Shorten said he was “absolutely ready” for the top job.
Mr Shorten said his party wasn’t afraid of the more conservative Mr Dutton becoming leader, and said Mr Turnbull was just the salesman for the government’s failed policies.
“What they are doing is blaming the salesman. It’s the policies,” he said.
