Dutton a ‘lion on hunt for PM prey’

LABOR is zeroing in on its criticism of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s leadership, likening the chaotic parliamentary week to a David Attenborough documentary.

After a highly charged sitting week, Deputy Opposition Leader Richard Marles targeted his breakfast TV sparring partner Peter Dutton on Friday.

Mr Marles compared the Defence Minister to a lion stalking his prey – the Prime Minister.

Mr Morrison ended a brutal parliamentary week with leaks from his cabinet.

Mr Marles told the Nine Network on Friday the damaging revelation was the latest clear sign that Mr Morrison’s leadership was in trouble.

The deputy Labor leader also suggested it had been a “fantast ic week” for the defence minister (pictured), who has been the subject of leadership speculation.

“It’s obviously been a train wreck of a week for Scott Morrison, (but) it’s been a fantastic week for Peter,” Mr Marles told Today.

“The whole week has played out with a kind of horrible inevitability of a David Attenborough documentary. The PM is looking like the slowest wildebeest of the herd, and we’ve seen Peter (Dutton’s) head popping up from behind the bushes like the lion licking his chops.”

Mr Dutton interjected, telling Mr Marles he “needed to get more sleep”.

“I can’t see him, but is he in his pyjamas or not? He’s just crazy talk this morning,” Mr Dutton said.

Mr Marles hit back, suggesting Mr Dutton was gunning for the Prime Minister’s job.

“Every time you (Mr Dutton) have gone to the dispatch box, the only thing Scott Morrison can hear is the music from Jaws,” Mr Marles said.

Mr Dutton responded: “Give me a break” and added, “of course” Mr Morrison could trust people around him.