Michael Photios slams ‘destructive’ Tony Abbott as destablising

FORMER Liberal powerbroker Michael Photios has slammed “destructive” Tony Abbott for destabilising the federal government.

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FORMER Liberal powerbroker Michael Photios has slammed “destructive” Tony Abbott for destabilising the federal government after stepping down from his role as a factional boss.

Mr Photios resigned as leader of the moderate or “left” Liberal faction at a board meeting at Town Hall on Saturday, attended by state and federal MPs.

Party sources insisted there was no plot to oust Mr Photios and he stepped down of his own volition because of a growing perception he had “become the story”.

There has been growing unrest about alleged roles Mr Photios played in factional deals during Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s recent Cabinet reshuffle and two looming by-elections.

Former Liberal kingmaker Michael Photios wasn’t happy with Tony Abbott’s recent comments.

“Rightly or wrongly, there was a perception he had become an issue and that was hurting the party,” one insider said.

Mr Photios did not deny those claims but said he felt very satisfied to be leaving at a time when the moderates are dominant at both the state and federal level.

He took aim at Mr Abbott, who last week warned Malcolm Turnbull the federal government is “drifting towards defeat” — while launching his own “manifesto” to turn the party’s fortunes around.

Mr Photios compared himself to a popular retiring prime minister, such as John Howard and insisted he won’t rock the boat.

“I feel very satisfied with our achievements — I’m retiring with us at the top of our game. I’m delighted that new leaders will take us forward,” he told the Daily Telegraph.

“My style in retirement will be reflective of a retiring prime minister held in enormous regard.

“I’ll only be providing support when needed — in contrast in the style of another person within the party — whom it would seem is sadly acting in a destructive way and appears less for his party and more for himself.”

Mr Abbott declined to comment.