Malcolm Turnbull’s son Alex to help Julia Banks oust Liberal minister Greg Hunt

Malcolm Turnbull’s son Alex has confirmed he will join Liberal defector Julia Banks’ campaign to unseat Health Minister Greg Hunt in Flinders.

Malcolm Turnbull’s son Alex has confirmed he will join Liberal defector Julia Banks’ campaign to unseat Health Minister Greg Hunt in Flinders.

It comes as outraged Liberal MPs have blasted the Member for Chisholm for having “betrayed” the party after she announced her intention to switch seats and run against Mr Hunt yesterday.

Alex Turnbull has told Nine Newspapers he will be “involved” in Ms Banks campaign but his father will be staying out of the fight.

“MT [Malcolm Turnbull] is not involved in the slightest,” he told the publication.

Julia Banks with fellow crossbench women Rebekha Sharkie, Dr Kerryn Phelps and Cathy McGowan. Picture Gary Ramage

Minister for Health Greg Hunt. Picture: AAP

A spokesman for the former prime minister has also confirmed to Nine that he will be “staying out of the political fray”.

A series of anonymous Liberal MPs blasted Ms Banks yesterday for the move. One told Nine she “looks like a disgruntled ex-Liberal wrecker” while another predicted voters were furious with her and she would not be elected.

Liberal senator Jane Hume went on the record to slam her former colleague as a “seat shopper”.

“I — like the Liberal Party, like the voters of Chisholm — invested a lot in Julia. And she has betrayed all of us,” Senator Hume told Nine.

Alex Turnbull outside his parent's Point Piper Mansion in November. Picture: Hollie Adams/The Australian

Ms Banks will be relying on voter anger at Liberal Party and Mr Hunt for ousting Mr Turnbull as leader however.

She declared her intention to run in Flinders yesterday, saying she had “unfinished business” in parliament.

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull is said to not be involved in his son’s plans to team up with Julia Banks. Picture: AAP

Prime Minister Scott Morrison dismissed the threat to Mr Hunt yesterday, while brushing off a question about the “rush” of independents lining up to challenge sitting Liberal MPs.

“Greg Hunt has worked like a Trojan for his community since the day he was elected in the seat of Flinders,” Mr Morrison told reporters in Queensland.

Originally published as Malcolm Turnbull’s son Alex to help Julia Banks oust Liberal minister Greg Hunt