Rebel MPs get warning

Rebel Coalition MPs warned amid rumours of Dutton challenge

Rebel MPs have been told “pull your heads in” as they attempt to stir up a leadership challenge and torpedo the PM’s energy guarantee.

REBEL MPs have been told “pull your heads in” in a blunt message by one of Malcolm Turnbull’s ministers as they attempt to stir up a leadership challenge and torpedo the Prime Minister’s plan to tackle Australia’s energy crisis.

Deputy Nationals leader and Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie issued the warning yesterday amid reports conservative MPs are urging

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to launch a leadership challenge against Mr Turnbull.

“I would say it is a couple of outliers, and we know their names,” Ms McKenzie said of the group, which is threatening to cross the floor to block the National Energy Guarantee.

Asked what her message to them was, Ms McKenzie said: “Pull your heads in.”

“Honestly the worst thing for our nation will be a government run by Bill Shorten with Mark Butler, whose renewable energy target and entire energy policy is based on Greenpeace modelling,” she said.

“Now if you think that is going to actually bring down power prices – you have got rocks in your head.”

Ms McKenzie said there was “resounding support” for the National Energy Guaran- tee within the Coalition party room.

Earlier yesterday, Christopher Pyne said the Cabinet was “100 per cent” behind Mr Turnbull as he confirmed the PM would announce new measures next week to get tough on electricity companies that price-gouge consumers.

The Defence Industry Minister denied the Government was “on the ropes” but ac- knowledged there “are a few people I think who are trying to put the band back together from the late 2000s”, implying former PM Tony Abbott and others were looking to topple Mr Turnbull.

Mr Pyne was responding to speculation Mr Turnbull could face a leadership challenge after Mr Dutton said he would have to leave Cabinet if he disagreed with the NEG.