Peta Credlin in first TV interview since Turnbull became PM

In her first ever live TV interview, Peta Credlin has admitted that Labor have sharpened up their act ahead of the election | WATCH

Peta Credlin on Sky News’ PM Agenda

In her first television interview since Malcolm Turnbull became Prime Minister, Peta Credlin has described the upcoming election (expected July 2) as “the government’s to lose”.

Despite throwing her support behind the current PM, Ms Credlin admitted that Labor have sharpened up their act.

“They are in it to win it. I think it’s the government’s to lose but they are not to be underestimated,” Ms Credlin told David Speers in special edition of Sky News’ PM Agenda.

“I thought that in my personal interactions with him one-on-one that he had a likeability, an earthiness and a genuineness that if he was able to work that into his public presentations he’d be formidable,” she said.

“We saw what happened in 2010 when everyone underestimated Tony Abbott and a really disciplined campaign can win government.”

FEDERAL ELECTION 2016 LAUNCH: LIVE

Ms Credlin strenuously denied accusations of bullying during her time as Mr Abbott’s chief of staff but admitted she may have “banged a few heads a bit hard”.

“I have a reputation of straight-talking and candour. I’m sure that there are things I wish I had handled better but the results speak for themselves and the lack of office turnover speaks for itself.”

However she admitted heavy criticism did take its toll.

“I have no trouble being measured on competency and on record, but when it got really personally and pointed, yeah it got tough.”

Credlin: I found the criticism really personal. I never said I was perfect, but it was tough. #pmagenda https://t.co/wSpeQGIb7P

— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) May 7, 2016

On her future, Ms Credlin said she was delighted to be joining Sky News’ commentary for the election campaign, but denied going back into politics in the near future.

“I had an approach from a senior Liberal before Christmas and I made it clear that I would not accept any job. I want to stand on my own merit.”