TURNBULL’S TROUBLES

MALCOLM Turnbull may have claimed victory in Peter Dutton’s leadership challenge, but could face another contest within weeks, with almost half of his MPs wanting him gone.

The prime minister is urging unity in the party after defeating ex-Home Affairs Minister Mr Dutton. “We know that disunity undermines the ability of any government to get its job done,” Mr Turnbull told reporters.

“We’ve got to put 25 million Australians first. They hate it when we are talking about each other.” Mr Dutton resigned from the cabinet after rejecting an offer to stay as Home Affairs minister, and refused multiple chances when questioned by reporters to rule out another challenge.

He said he challenged because he believed he was the best person to lead the Liberal Party to an election victory.

“I harbour no animosity towards Malcolm Turnbull,” Mr Dutton said. “I made a decision to contest this ballot because I want to make sure we can keep Bill Shorten from ever being prime minister of this country.”

Mr Dutton said the government must get both its “policies and message right” on power prices, immigration and its pressure on cities, the drought, health, education and aged care.

Mr Turnbull said he would not accept the resignations of ministers who voted for Mr Dutton in the spill, preferring to heal wounds and move on.