Malcolm Turnbull praised Craig Kelly in letter before attempting to derail preselection

Malcolm Turnbull signed a letter endorsing Craig Kelly as “one of the government’s most committed contributors on the floor of the parliament” before attempting to derail the backbencher’s re-endorsement.

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Malcolm Turnbull signed a letter endorsing Craig Kelly as “one of the government’s most committed contributors on the floor of the parliament”, declaring he “looked forward to” the backbencher being “re-elected as part of our strong coalition team”.

It’s understood the letter, which has been seen by The Daily Telegraph and is signed off with Mr Turnbull’s signature, was given to the NSW State Executive in May as part of Mr Kelly’s preselection pack.

Turnbull’s letter was full of praise for the Liberal backbencher. Picture: Dean Lewins

Craig Kelly has avoided a preselection battle in Hughes. Picture: Mick Tsikas

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The letter is at odds with the dramatic intervention by Mr Turnbull late on Sunday to urge moderates to defy the Prime Minister’s orders to save Mr Kelly’s preselection.

Mr Turnbull privately urged senior moderate Matt Kean, in a phone call on Sunday night, to not save Mr Kelly and let the government risk falling early.

Mr Turnbull has said he made his intervention in the interests of the “democratic” processes of the party.

The letter praises the backbench MP, saying “Craig understands that having a strong economy ensures we can guarantee the essential services Australians rely on, that means we can keep Australians safe, and pay for the services that the residents of Hughes needs: healthcare, world class education, Medicare and aged care”.

He continues: “Craig’s advocacy for improved services for people living with a disability is well known and has been an important element in the Government’s decision to secure the future of the NDIS.”

Signing off, Mr Turnbull wrote: “I look forward to Craig being re-elected as party of our strong Coalition team — a team which understands the importance of buildings secure nation, and the value of responsible economic management”.