Scott Morrison gives cryptic response to retirement question

Former prime minister Scott Morrison is keeping mum over his future in politics as retirement whispers start.

Speculation former prime minister Scott Morrison may soon retire from politics has been fuelled after a cryptic statement.

Rumours that he would leave parliament before the end of this term have been swirling since he led the Coalition to a loss at last year’s election.

 On Tuesday, Sky News reported Mr Morrison – who now sits on the backbench – may retire by the end of the year for an overseas consulting job.

According to Sky News, Mr Morrison said if there was “something to say, he would say it” when asked about the rumours.

There is mounting speculation Scott Morrison will soon leave parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley, who counts Mr Morrison as a friend, said she had not heard whether the former prime minister would soon leave.

“He will make a decision in the best interests of himself and family and the people of Cook, who he has represented here, and who he has that contact with as their local MP,” she told Sky News.

“I never give my colleagues advice over the airwaves, and if they ask me my opinion I’m happy to give it to them in a private conversation, but as I said, I know he’ll make the best decision for himself and his family.”

NCA NewsWire has contacted Mr Morrison’s office for comment.

Former PM Scott Morrison now sits on the backbench after last year’s election loss. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

In an interview with Sharri Markson on Sky on Monday, Mr Morrison said it was “quite liberating” to be on the backbench.

“I had the great privilege of serving in very high offices – not just as prime minister – for almost a decade,” he said on Monday.

“I can tell you it’s a demanding job, one I loved doing, but one that was also quite exhausting over that length of time.”

If Mr Morrison does quit parliament, it will set up a byelection in his southern Sydney seat of Cook. But he would not be the first of his team to resign.

Former cabinet minister Alan Tudge resigned from parliament last month. A byelection will be held in his Melbourne seat of Aston on April 1.