Lachlan Murdoch nominates Tony Abbott to board of Fox Corporation

The former PM has been nominated to join the board of a major company in the middle of a big shake up.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has been nominated to the Fox Corporation board, the day after a major shake-up at the media empire.

Rupert Murdoch stepped down as chairman of both Fox Corporation and News Corp on Friday, opening the path for his son Lachlan Murdoch to take over the top job.

In his first day in the new role, the younger Murdoch nominated Abbott to board of directors alongside tech executive Peggy Johnson.

Tony Abbott has been nominated to the board of directors at the Fox Corporation. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“I welcome Peggy Johnson and Tony Abbott’s nominations to the board,” Lachlan Murdoch said in a statement on Saturday.

The board serves the television arm of Murdoch holdings, including the Fox News network.

The nominations will come under the consideration of the shareholders at the next annual meeting.

Lachlan Murdoch has taken over as chairman of Fox and NewsCorp. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

News Corp Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch stepped down on Friday. Picture: Supplied

Rupert Murdoch will remain on the board in the new title of “chairman emeritus”.

Abbott has served as an adviser at the UK Board of Trade since 2020, after leaving politics the year before.

He was a member of parliament for 25 years, including three years as prime minister, before he lost his seat of Warringah to independent candidate Zali Steggall at the 2019 federal election.