Scott Morrison ditches parliament for trip to Tokyo

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has announced he will ditch the first week of parliament in favour of an overseas trip.

Scott Morrison has opted out of attending the first week of parliament following his bruising election loss.

Instead, the former prime minister will head to Tokyo to address an “international event” with other former leaders.

In a statement, Mr Morrison said he accepted the invitation before the new parliamentary schedule was released.

“Prior to the new Government advising the sitting schedule for the remainder of 2022, I had already accepted an invitation to join other former Prime Ministers from Canada, the UK and New Zealand to address an international event to be held in Tokyo this week,” he said.

Scott Morrison will ditch the first week of parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Tracey Nearmy

“Both the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition were advised of my intended travel and absence from the parliament this week.”

Mr Morrison’s trip will also include a series of meetings with Japanese political and business leaders and express his condolences for the passing of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.

While his trip coincides with the first week of the 47th parliament the former prime minister advised he would be present for the second sitting week.

His return will mark his first stint on the opposition backbench in over a decade.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison taking a break from moving back into his Sutherland shire home. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Following his election loss, Mr Morrison said he had no plans to immediately retire from politics amid speculation he could step aside as the member for Cook.

“I’ve got no plans to go anywhere, I am going back to the Shire and re-establishing our life back there and getting the girls back into their routine,” he told 2GB in May.

In the seven weeks since, the former prime minister has moved out of Kirribilli and the Lodge and returned to his home on the Shire — where he continues to cook his signature curries.

Earlier this month he travelled to Seoul for an address to a leadership dialogue and last week he caused a media storm by telling Margaret Court’s church people should put their faith in Christ over “fallible” governments.

Originally published as Scott Morrison ditches parliament for trip to Tokyo