Gladys Berejiklian allegedly called Scott Morrison ‘horrible, horrible person’ in leaked texts

In stunning leaked messages, ex-premier Gladys Berejiklian has allegedly accused Scott Morrison of playing “petty” politics amid the Black Summer bushfire crisis.

During the Black Summer bushfires former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian allegedly accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison of playing “petty” politics while “lives were at stake” in an explosive private text message exchange with a Liberal cabinet minister.

In one text to the unnamed current federal cabinet minister in the midst of the 2019/20 bushfires Ms Berejiklian said she was “so disappointed” with Mr Morrison’s actions during the disaster.

“Lives are at stake today and he’s just obsessed with petty political point scoring,” the text reportedly said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian speak to the media during the 2019-20 bushfire emergency. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

The Liberal minister was also quoted by Network 10 as saying to Ms Berejiklian, “the mob has worked him out and think he’s a fraud”.

In a further stunning text message exchange, Ms Berejiklian allegedly described the Prime Minister as a “horrible” person she did not “trust”.

Mr Morrison was asked about the exchange between Ms Berejiklian and the unnamed current Liberal cabinet minister by Network 10 journalist Peter Van Onselen on Tuesday during the prime minister’s National Press Club address.

In one text Ms Berejiklian reportedly described Mr Morrison as “a horrible, horrible person” and went on to say she “did not trust” him.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian at a Remembrance Day Service in Martin Place, Sydney in 2019. Picture: Dean Lewins

The text from Ms Berejiklian also said Mr Morrison was “more concerned with politics than people”.

The unnamed minister who replied to Ms Berejiklian went further, allegedly describing Mr Morrison as “a complete psycho”.

In a statement, Ms Berejiklian reiterated her “strong support” for Mr Morrison. She did not deny making the comments but said she had “no recollection of such messages”.

“I understand there has been some commentary today concerning myself and the PM. Let me reiterate my very strong support for Prime Minister Morrison and all he is doing for our nation during these very challenging times,” Ms Berejiklian said in the statement.

“I also strongly believe he is the best person to lead our nation for years to come.”

Gladys Berejiklian watches while Scott Morrison speaks at the SYD Brain and Mind Centre at Camperdown in Sydney in 2021. Picture: Joel Carrett

Asked what he made of the private texts, Mr Morrison dismissed them.

“I don’t know who you’re referring to,” he told Mr Van Onselen.

“Or the basis of what you’ve put to me.

“But I obviously don’t agree with it. And I don’t think that that is my record.”

Last year Mr Morrison strongly backed Ms Berejiklian, whom he has often described as a friend, to run for the Liberals in the federal seat of Warringah.

Scott Morrison and Gladys Berejiklian in North Richmond, in northwest Sydney, last June. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Mr Morrison said at the time Ms Berejiklian would be “very welcome” in his team and would be a “great” candidate for the independent-held seat.

Ms Berejiklian reportedly seriously considered the move but ultimately decided not to nominate.

Though many senior Liberals backed her as a candidate, others believed it was not a suitable move while the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption was still deliberating whether she failed to report “a reasonable suspicion of corruption” by her secret boyfriend, the former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.

Originally published as Gladys Berejiklian allegedly called Scott Morrison ‘horrible, horrible person’ in leaked texts