All the speculation over the Liberal Party’s leadership has come to a head, as Liberal MP Luke Simpkins announces he will move a spill motion against the Prime Minister on Tuesday.
The motion has already been seconded by MP Don Randall, with a third WA Liberal, Dennis Jensen, saying he will support the motion.
“I think that we must… test the support of the leadership in the party room,” Mr Simpkins said on Friday.
“As I have said in the past, I have no front bench ambitions. I just want to make sure that the economic vandals do not get back into power and our children and grandchildren are not left to pay Labor’s bill. I do this because I believe it is in the best interests of the people of our country.”
Calls to remove Mr Abbott as prime minister have been plaguing the Liberal leadership since the Prime Minister’s decision to give an Australian knighthood to Prince Philip.
Deputy prime minister, Julie Bishop and former Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull are the two MPs most likely to take over if Mr Abbott is deposed, with most party support behind the two ministers.
Scott Morrison, minister for social services is also tipped to be a front runner for the Liberal leadership.
Earlier this week, former Liberal treasurer, Arthur Sinodinos backed the prime minister but said it could be a different story by next week.
Mr Sinodinos said his support was “ongoing” (but) “not unconditional”, before adding, when asked if Mr Abbott would remain prime minister in the coming days: “Comrade, ask me next week.”
Independent senator Nick Xenophon said Mr had till the end of the week to make any progress before a spill would be announced.
Read more in Neos Kosmos’ English edition out on Saturday 7 February.
