Morrison cabinet emptying fast with more ministers calling it quits before the Federal election

A senior Morrison Government minister would not rule out more of his colleagues resigning before the May election, after two more frontbenchers pulled the pin over the weekend.

A SENIOR Morrison Government minister did not rule out more of his colleagues resigning before the May election, after two more frontbenchers pulled the pin over the weekend.

Queensland ministers yesterday moved to quell questions that any of them would join the exodus.

It followed Human Services Minister Michael Keenan and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion announcing over the Australia Day weekend that they would be quitting politics.

Education Minister Dan Tehan said while he would recontest the next election, he could not guarantee all his fellow Cabinet members would.

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“I’m not aware of whether there are other MPs who are considering (resigning) or not, but as the election approaches I’m sure everyone’s focus on both sides of politics will be presenting the best case that they can put forward to the Australian people,” he told Sky News.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, assistant

Treasurer Stuart Robert and Assistant Minister for Children and Families Michelle Landry all confirmed they would contest the election.

A spokesman for Defence Industries Minister Steve Ciobo said he was the preselected candidate for his seat of Moncrieff and was seeking comment from Mr Ciobo who was returning from an overseas trip.

Resources Minister Matt Canavan’s Senate term does not end until 2022 so he will not need to seek re-election this year.

Ms Landry, who holds her seat by 0.6 per cent, said all Queensland ministers were recontesting their seats.

“I certainly am. I plan on winning my seat for a third time,” she said.

“Michael (Keenan) and Kelly (O’Dwyer) have young families … Nigel (Scullion) had 17 years going backwards and forwards from Darwin.

“I can see why they would make that difficult decision.”

Industrial Relations Minister Kelly O’Dwyer was the first minister to announce her intention to resign at the election, revealing a week ago she would step down to focus on her family.