Australian PM deserted

– Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stubbornly clung to power yesterday as senior ministers deserted him, saying he would hold a second leadership vote today only if he received a letter signed by the majority of the ruling party.

Former home affairs minister Peter Dutton narrowly lost a challenge against Turnbull on Tuesday and has declared he would again contest a Liberal Party leadership vote, while media reported the country’s treasurer and foreign minister will also be candidates if a vote is called.

Key Turnbull supporter Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said Turnbull no longer had majority party support and Dutton was the best person to lead the conservative government to the next election, due by May 2019.

Several ministers have resigned. The leadership crisis saw the government adjourn parliament yesterday until September.

Turnbull said if he received a letter requesting a fresh vote with the signatures of 43 Liberal Party lawmakers, he would call a party meeting today. If a leadership spill motion was then passed, he would not stand in the vote. Media reported yesterday that Treasurer Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will contest for the top job if a meeting is convened. – Reuters

Canberra