UNCIVIL WAR
Hendo: I was offered Ministry for ‘act of treachery’ Turnbull slams ‘bullies’ and ‘intimidation’ as Liberal leadership battle now a three-horse race
CORANGAMITE MP Sarah Henderson says she was offered a seat on the Liberal Party’s front bench in exchange for supporting Peter Dutton’s leadership challenge but rejected what she said would be an “act of treachery”.
Her claims come as the fight to take over from Malcolm Turnbull shapes as a threehorse race, with both Scott Morrison and Julie Bishop indicating they would also vie for the role if it goes to a vote, which could take place as early as today.
CORANGAMITE federal Liberal MP Sarah Henderson says she was offered a spot on her party’s front bench in exchange for supporting Peter Dutton’s leadership challenge, but rejected it.
“To be rewarded for an act of treachery would be a terrible thing,” Ms Henderson said yesterday.
Sources in Canberra claim Ms Henderson had instead struck a deal with Malcolm Turnbull for a front bench position, amid a parade of resignations from the current Prime Minister’s cabinet.
But it now appears a likely leadership spill would feature Scott Morrison rather than Mr Turnbull, leaving Ms Henderson’s hopes of a cabinet position well and truly up in the air.
Ms Henderson repeatedly voiced her support for Mr Turnbull this week, both before and after Mr Dutton’s failed leadership challenge on Tuesday.
But she has refused to reveal who she would back in a leadership vote now that Mr Turnbull has said he would not put himself forward if a spill motion eventuated.
After her earlier comments to ABC radio regarding an offer of a ministry in return for supporting Peter Dutton, Ms Henderson released a statement yesterday, taking aim at the chaos in Canberra.
“The tumultuous events which are currently unfolding are incredibly disappointing. Australians expect strong, stable government,” she said.
“They are sick to death of the revolving chair of prime ministers. I have been overwhelmed by emails from constituents who feel the same way.”
“I have made clear my strong support for Malcolm Turnbull …
“Corangamite is now the most marginal Coalition seat in the country and I am upset and disheartened by what is happening in the Canberra bubble.
“I expect the leadership of the federal Liberal Party will be resolved tomorrow.”
Ms Henderson, like many other MPs, remained in Canberra last night.
“Australians will be rightly appalled by what they’re witnessing in their nation’s parliament today and in the course of this week.” MALCOLM TURNBULL