Alan Tudge says the new PM has ‘authenticity’ and ‘instinct’

Alan Tudge says ScoMo has “authenticity” and “instinct” but won’t be drawn on whether Malcolm Turnbull lacked those qualities.

Alan Tudge hugs then-Treasurer Scott Morrison — and now Prime Minister — after he delivered the 2017 budget. Picture: Kym Smith

Liberal frontbencher Alan Tudge has described Scott Morrison as “decisive”, “consultative” and “authentic”, but declined to say whether he believes Malcolm Turnbull lacked those qualities.

Responding to today’s Newspoll results — which show the two-party-preferred gap narrowing from 56-44 to 54-46 Labor’s way and Mr Morrison leading as preferred PM on 46 per cent compared with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on 32 per cent — Mr Tudge said the new Prime Minister was doing very well, as the polls are indicating.

“Certainly Scott Morrison is a very strong leader. He’s decisive, he’s consultative, and I think he understands suburban Australia,” the Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Minister told Sky News.

He conceded the government still had much ground to make up in the polls, but said the election was still a long way off.

“If the election’s going to be next May, what’s that, eight or nine months away? As we say, a week’s a long time in politics,” he said.

“Nine months is an eternity, but we’ve got our work cut out for us, but I’ve got to say, Scott Morrison’s got off to a very, very strong start, and I think that the more that people see of him, the more that they will like him.”

Asked whether the reasons for dumping Mr Turnbull were becoming clearer as Mr Morrison settled into the job, Mr Tudge said: “I just think that Scott is a very authentic individual.”

“I think his instincts are good, I think he’s a good decision-maker and that he’s leading a united team, and that’s what we need,” he said.

“We need to stay united between now and the election and concentrate on the things that matter to the Australian people, and I think he can also very clearly and articulately lay out the contrast with the Labor Party.

“Now the Labor Party, as you know, they want to put up taxes on almost everything that moves, whereas we want to lower taxes, make it easier for people, and give people a sense of security.”

Asked whether authenticity and instinct were qualities Mr Turnbull lacked, Mr Tudge said: “Listen, Malcolm was a strong leader in and of himself.”

“Everybody comes with their own characteristics, but I’m focusing on Scott Morrison as Prime Minister,” he said.

Pressed again on whether Mr Turnbull lacked authenticity, Mr Tudge said: “I’m just not going to go into that.”

“Scott Morrison is Prime Minister, he’s doing a great job in terms of leading our party, and as I said, I think the Australian people are taking a good, close look at him, and I think when they see him they are liking what they see, it’s nine months to the election,” he said.

Earlier today, Mr Morrison said he was just sticking to his job, when asked whether he was heartened by today’s Newspoll results.

“I’m just sticking to my job, mate, basically,” Mr Morrison said.

“My job is to ensure that our government continues to deliver a stronger economy, to guarantee the essentials Australians rely on, to keep Australians safe, and importantly to keep Australians together.”

Asked whether he was encouraged by the preferred prime minister poll, Mr Morrison joked about his wife Jenny’s pavlovas.

“Well I’ve always thought Jen’s pavs were popular, but clearly they were more popular than I thought,” he said.