Acting PM Julie Bishop quizzed over leadership ambitions

SHE’S been thrust into the role of Acting PM after the citizenship debacle. Julie Bishop has just come clean on her leadership ambitions.

ACTING Prime Minister Julie Bishop has been grilled over her leadership ambitions after a chaotic week in politics.

The Foreign Minister, who has long been considered a potential candidate for the top job, has been appointed Acting PM during Malcolm Turnbull’s trip to Israel.

The reshuffle came after the High Court dumped Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce from Parliament because he was a dual citizen at the last election.

Julie Bishop, on tonight’s 730, has been quizzed about her leadership ambitions.

On tonight’s 730, host Leigh Sales asked the question on everyone’s lips: Would Bishop like to be Prime Minister one day?

A typically cool and collected Ms Bishop responded by saying she was content with her position.

“I’m very happy with my role as Foreign Minister,” Ms Bishop told Sales. “I have much to do as Foreign Minister and I’m very happy in my role.”

However, in what could be interpreted as pitch for the role of PM, she emphasised her ten years of experience as deputy leader of the party.

A chipper Julie Bishop goes for a run at Perth’s Cottesloe Beach this morning. Picture: Ian Munro

When asked by Sales if, as an ambitious politician she envisaged herself as having “a stab at the top job”, Ms Bishop, who was speaking from Perth, reiterated that she was happy to be Foreign Minister.

“Not every politician has that view,” she said. “I’m very pleased to be elected as deputy leader of my party for 10 years now. I’m very happy with my role as the Foreign Minister.”

When quizzed on Malcolm Turnbull, the Acting PM said she believed the Prime Minister “will lead the Coalition to the next election”.

Julie Bishop has the top job while Malcolm Turnbull is in Israel. Picture Kym Smith

“He’s getting on with governing for Australia,” she told the ABC. He’s focusing on tough issues like energy, to bring down energy prices, and that drives economic growth and that drives jobs. And that’s one of the responsibilities of a national government.”

Mr Turnbull, who is on his way to Israel, had been due to arrive on Saturday for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba but revised his plans after the High Court’s shock ruling on the citizenship issue.