Malcolm Turnbull has resigned from his position as Communications Minister and will challenge prime minister Tony Abbott for the Liberal Party leadership.
Along with Minister Julie Bishop, Turnbull met with the Prime Minister to request an early leadership ballot.
Just hours earlier, Mr Abbott dismissed leadership speculation during a press conference in the senate courtyard in Canberra today where Mr Turnbull announced he would seek the party leadership.
“A little while ago I met with the prime minister and advised him that I would be challenging him for the leadership,” Mr Turnbull said.
“This is not a decision anyone would take lightly.
“It is clear that the government is not providing the economic leadership the country needs.”
He said the government had lost its way and called for a “different style of leadership” amid uncertain economic times.
He concluded stating that Australia needs advocacy and a leadership that respects people’s intelligence.
Turnbull’s move comes ahead of Saturday’s crucial Canning by-election in Western Australia.
Source: 9news, ABC
