MPs give Abbott the cold shoulder on campaign hustings

TONY Abbott plans to campaign in Queensland as part of his one-man political roadshow, but his party’s most threatened MPs don’t want him around.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING

TONY Abbott is planning to campaign in Queensland as part of his one-man political roadshow, but his party’s most threatened MPs don’t want him around.

The former PM has recently campaigned with Wright MP Scott Buchholz and has been asked by other Queensland MPs to help out before the federal election, including in the central Queensland seats of Dawson and Flynn.

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But he has been shunned by Queensland’s most marginal LNP seat holders amid growing tensions between Mr Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull.

Petrie MP Luke Howarth said he was not interested in hosting Mr Abbott in his electorate.

“Tony is the past, mate. Malcolm is the future,” Mr Howarth said. “Tony is a backbencher now.”

Mr Abbott has been in discussions with one of the country’s most outspoken conservatives, George Christensen, about fundraisers and events in his Mackay-based seat.

Mr Abbott plans to travel to nearby Flynn, which is held by another Nationals MP, Ken O’Dowd, on the same trip.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott is creating “chaos and division at the heart of the Turnbull Government”, according to Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

But he is likely to skip Capricornia, one of the seats the LNP is most at risk of losing, because MP Michelle Landry has not invited him.

No dates have been set for Mr Abbott’s Queensland jaunt, although it has been under discussion since he was rolled in September last year, The Courier-Mail can reveal.

Mr Christensen said he was keen for Mr Abbott to help campaign.

“Tony’s a former PM, a friend, and his support is valuable in that regards, especially in rallying the rank and file members and supporters,” Mr Christensen said.

The member for Petrie, Luke Howarth, has shunned Tony Abbott as yesterday’s man.

“Malcolm Turnbull has also been into the electorate and will be more than welcome to come back.”

Mr O’Dowd said he would welcome Mr Abbott’s visit but admitted “it’s a bit tricky” because of possible tensions with Mr Turnbull.

The trip will be part of a series of visits Mr Abbott is planning across the country, where he will campaign in seats held by his supporters.

But he will only offer his help to MPs, candidates or patron senators who invite him to their region.

The member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry (pictured in front of Tony Abbott), is another who prefers to campaign without the former PM.

Herbert MP Ewen Jones said he had not heard from Mr Abbott but said he would welcome him “if he has something positive to say”.

Mr Jones said Mr Abbott could help campaign in north Queensland about plans to develop northern Australia that started during his time in power.

Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said Mr Abbott had to be careful not to destabilise Mr Turnbull with his own schedule.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Mr Abbott was “out there campaigning for his own policies” and creating “chaos and division at the heart of the Turnbull Government”.