Former PM Scott Morrison gives first interview since federal election loss

A senior Liberal says it’s up to Scott Morrison whether he resigns or not amid the secret jobs scandal, after the former PM gave his first interview since the federal election.

Scott Morrison says his time in the country’s top job came with a “painful cost” for his daughters.

The former prime minister took part in his first post-election interview with his conservative ally Paul Murray, which aired on his Sky News program on Monday night.

During the friendly, nearly half-hour exchange, Mr Morrison said he regretted the toll his life as a politician had had on his children.

Scott Morrison says the role of PM came at a “painful cost”. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Tony Abbott used to say, we’re volunteers, they’re conscripts and that’s probably one of the truest things Tony’s ever said, and very wise,” Mr Morrison said.

“They lived their entire lives with me in parliament, and most of it with me as a minister.”

Mr Morrison said he didn’t regret “the choices I’ve made to serve my country in politics”, nor did his wife Jenny and the rest of their family.

Mr Morrison has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks for his decision to secretly appoint himself to five additional cabinet ministries during the pandemic.

He has faced criticism from some of his Coalition colleagues, as well as calls for him to resign as the member for Cook in the wake of the scandal.

Stuart Robert says it’s up to Scott Morrison to decide whether the former PM stays or leaves. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Mr Morrison has apologised for “offending” his colleagues, but he has remained defiant in defending the secret power grab as necessary.

He reiterated the claim during his interview with Murray.

“At all times I was trying to do what was best for the country,” Mr Morrison said.

When asked whether Mr Morrison should resign, Opposition assistant treasurer spokesman Stuart Robert said he will “leave it to Mr Morrison” to decide.

“My view is already on the record in that respect but the former prime minister will determine if and when he leaves parliament and when he stops representing the members for Cook and we’ll leave it up to the good (voters) of the seat of Cook to work out what their elected representatives should or shouldn’t do,” Mr Robert told ABC’s News Breakfast on Tuesday.

“I’ve made the point when this came to the fore that if this had gone to Cabinet, Cabinet probably would have decided this was unnecessary and of course the fullness of time has shown it’s unnecessary.

“So these are important issues and they are being elevated as they should.”

Originally published as Former PM Scott Morrison gives first interview since federal election loss