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First pics of Scott Morrison since portfolio scandal

Scott Morrison has emerged from his Sydney home amid calls for him to resign from parliament over a portfolio scandal.

Morrison apologises after taking on secret portfolios

Scott Morrison has emerged from his family home as questions swirl about his future in federal parliament.

The former prime minister is facing calls to resign as the member for Cook following shock revelations he secretly took control of five portfolios over the past two years.

But when spotted by the NCA NewsWire on Wednesday morning, Mr Morrison was seemingly unfazed about the drama circling around him.

Scott Morrison is under fire over a portfolio scandal. Picture: Gaye Gerard / NCA NewsWire
Scott Morrison is under fire over a portfolio scandal. Picture: Gaye Gerard / NCA NewsWire
He moved back into the family home after he was ousted as prime minister. Picture: Gaye Gerard / NCA NewsWire
He moved back into the family home after he was ousted as prime minister. Picture: Gaye Gerard / NCA NewsWire

Carrying a packed-looking briefcase and his keys, Mr Morrison didn’t stop to chat with the waiting press.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sensationally revealed that during his predecessor’s time in the role he took control of the departments of health, finance, resources, home affairs and treasury.

In most instances he did so without informing the existing minister.

On Tuesday afternoon, the backbencher took to Facebook to pen a lengthy 1279-word statement on his secret appointments, saying he did so “in good faith”.

“For any offence to my colleagues I apologise. I led an outstanding team who did an excellent job and provided me great service and loyalty as ministers,” he wrote.

Mr Morrison is said to have called former treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Tuesday to apologise for not informing him they shared the role despite the pair living together at the lodge during the ACT lockdown last year.

Mr Morrison did not stop to speak to the waiting media. Picture: Gaye Gerard / NCA NewsWire
Mr Morrison did not stop to speak to the waiting media. Picture: Gaye Gerard / NCA NewsWire
He quickly drove off. Picture: Gaye Gerard / NCA NewsWire
He quickly drove off. Picture: Gaye Gerard / NCA NewsWire

The revelations have led to former home affairs minister Karen Andrews – who was also blindsided by the news – calling for the former prime minister to resign from parliament.

But Liberal leader Peter Dutton and Nationals leader David Littleproud are standing by their colleague.

Mr Morrison moved back into the family’s Port Hacking home in the Sutherland Shire two weeks after his election loss evicted him out of the harbourside mansion in Kirribilli.

The suburban residence was purchased in July 2009 for $920,000 but is now estimated to be worth $3m.

Read related topics:Scott MorrisonSydney

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/first-pics-of-scott-morrison-since-portfolio-scandal/news-story/49f8e95c9d1bb3b9b2232e1ba425f344