What clashers said:

WHAT THE PM SAID:

‘‘I now await a letter with the signatures of a majority of the party room. If I receive it — which is 43 — If I receive that then I will convene a new party room meeting.’’

‘‘It’s important that before the party meeting is held, we have access to the advice of the Solicitorgeneral on the eligibility of Mr Dutton to sit in the Parliament.’’

‘‘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.’’

‘‘I made it very clear that I believe former prime ministers are best out of the parliament and I don’t think there’s much evidence to suggest that that conclusion is incorrect.’’

‘‘What we have witnessed at the moment is a very deliberate effort to pull the Liberal party further to the right . . . what began as a minority has, by a process of intimidation, persuaded people that the only way to stop the insurgency is to give in to it.’’

‘‘In my line of work, personal feelings have got to be put aside. This is all about 25 million Australians. My job is about advancing their interests.’’

WHAT THE OTHERS SAID:

‘‘I called the Prime Minister to advise him that it was my judgement that the majority of the party room no longer supported his leadership.’’ — Liberal leadership challenger Peter Dutton. ‘‘We cannot allow this situation to continue — it does need to be resolved.’’ — Communications Minister Mitch Fifield.

‘‘I believe he does not have the confidence of the party room and that this matter must be settled. A party room meeting must be called.’’ — Jobs Minister Michaelia Cash.

‘‘This is the ultimate admission of surrender, of a bankrupt government, of a failed government. The country doesn’t need a different Liberal leader. It needs a different government in the country.’’ — Labor Leader Bill Shorten.

‘‘The only solution is not closing down Parliament today, but for whoever the prime minister is, to drive out to the GovernorGeneral and let the Australian people decide.’’ Labor Deputy Leader Tanya Plibersek.

‘‘I think it is incredibly dark day for the nation that we are about to see a sitting prime minister rolled to put in place someone who’s politics are ugly, nasty and have a history of pushing down the most vulnerable.’’ — Greens senator Sarah HansonYoung.

‘‘I will support the Government in noconfidence motions and supply. Any other legislation I will take on a casebycase basis.’’ — Nationals MP Kevin Hogan on the prospect of a second leadership spill.

‘‘They want to see us doing our jobs and trying to do the right thing for Australia.’’ — Pauline Hanson.