WHAT THEY SAID

PRIME MINISTER MALCOLM TURNBULL

“The reality is that a minority in the party room supported by others outside the Parliament have sought to bully, intimidate others into making this change of leadership that they’re seeking.

“It’s been described by many people, including those who feel they cannot resist it as a form … of madness.”

MINISTER FOR FINANCE, SENATOR MATHIAS CORMANN

“It’s with great sadness and a heavy heart that we went to see the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon to advise him that in our judgment he no longer enjoyed the support of the majority of members in the Liberal Party party room and that it was in the best interests of the Liberal Party to help manage an orderly transition to a new leader.

“We didn’t take this decision lightly. Personally, I know that my colleagues also have anguished over this for some time.”

MEMBER FOR MONCRIEFF STEVEN CIOBO

“I have resigned as Minister for Trade, Tourism & Investment. Serving as Minister has been an absolute honour. We have achieved much. Regrettably, it is clear to me the Prime Minister has lost the support of the Party Room and it is critical the leadership is resolved.”

MEMBER FOR FORDE BERT VAN MANEN

“In spite of the distractions it’s business as usual for me today in Canberra hosting visitors including a great adventure for students & staff from Beenleigh’s Carbrook State School” SENATOR

MICHAELIA CASH

“I became aware yesterday that it was very clear that the Prime Minister no longer, in my opinion, had the confidence of the party room.”

OPPOSITION LEADER BILL SHORTEN

“The Liberals have shut down the Parliament and given up on governing Australia.”

MEMBER FOR GOLDSTEIN TIM WILSON “For clarity: I have not been bullied or intimidated into signing the suicide note to call a leadership spill. People have politely asked me, and I declined.”