ScoMo responds to apparent Parliament House ‘gaffe’

The former prime minister has responded to footage that appeared to show him making a mistake inside Parliament House.

Scott Morrison appeared to get lost within Parliament House on his way to deciding the new Liberal leader on Monday.

But the former prime minister was quick to explain there was a reason for his “wrong turn”.

His office said he was dropping off his bag and jacket before heading into the party room meeting.

Mr Morrison was forced to face the media pack twice as he made his way to a vote to decide the party’s future.

Ignoring journalists’ questions over what went wrong in his election defeat, Mr Morrison continued on past the group in the wrong direction.

Shortly after he returned to head back down the correct corridor to where the vote was being held.

I think he missed the turn to the party room. He’s back, saying the party will determine its leader #auspolpic.twitter.com/Im5DIaVIQl

— Finn McHugh (@FinnianMchugh) May 30, 2022

During his awkward course correction, Mr Morrison was asked whether he would welcome Mr Dutton to take his place.

“That’s for the party room; I’m looking forward to talking to my colleagues,” Mr Morrison replied.

Following a party vote, former defence minister Peter Dutton was decided as the next leader of the Liberal party, standing unopposed.

Former environment minister Sussan Ley was elected as deputy.

Mr Morrison appeared to take a wrong turn on his way to vote for the new Liberal leader. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Tracey Nearmy

As he left the meeting, Mr Morrison congratulated the new Liberal leadership and said he would give his “full support” as a backbencher.

“They are incredibly experienced, well-versed, deeply, deeply committed Australians to both the Liberal cause and of course, the cause of the nation,” he said.

Mr Morrison acknowledged the absence of former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who lost his seat in the electorate of Kooyong to Independent Monique Ryan.

“My dear friend Josh Frydenberg, we’re all very sad he couldn’t be with us today and there was a rousing cheer for Josh,” he said.

“It’s been a great privilege to lead the Federal Liberal Party and I hand it over to Peter and Sussan and wish them all the very best.”

Originally published as ScoMo responds to apparent Parliament House ‘gaffe’