Scott Morrison with his wife Jenny and former PM Tony Abbott. Picture: Richard Dobson

Josh Frydenberg and former prime minister John Howard. Picture: Richard Dobson

Peta Credlin. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Morrison and Mr Abbott. Picture: AAP

Alan Jones. Picture: Richard Dobson

Bronwyn Bishop. Picture: Richard Dobson

Phillip Ruddock. Picture: Richard Dobson

Virginia Flitcroft and Christine Forster. Picture: Richard Dobson

Peter Dutton, Bronwyn Bishop and Craig Kelly. Picture: AAP

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Abbott waves to the room. Picture: Richard Dobson

Jones. Picture: Richard Dobson

Kevin Andrews. Picture: AAP

Teena McQueen. Picture: AAP

Fred Nile with wife Sivana Nero. Picture: AAP

Guests pictured at Miramare Gardens. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Howard and Mr Morrison. Picture: Richard Dobson

Paul Murray. Picture: AAP

Mr Abbott during his tribute dinner. Picture: AAP

Mr Dutton. Picture: AAP

Mr Howard on Mr Abbott: “A political leader needs many skills if he is to achieve a lasting impact, he needs to win. And Tony was a great politic­al winner.’’ Picture: AAP

Mr Morrison speaks during the event. Picture: AAP

Mr Morrison paid tribute to Mr Abbott. “As a journalist he was a frustrated politician, as a politician he was a frustrated journalist­, and as a trainee priest he was just ­frustrated,” he said. Picture: AAP

Mr Ruddock presents Mr Abbott with a Lifetime Service Award. Picture: AAP

Mr Abbott took full responsibility for his electoral loss in May, saying “it wasn’t the campaign, it was the campaigner”. Picture: AAP

The event was held at the Miramare Gardens in Sydney. Picture: AAP

Mr Abbott is embraced by his mum Fay Abbott. Picture: AAP

Mr Abbott paid tribute to his wife: “She will get through this, she is one tough woman”. Picture: AAP

Mr Abbott said he did not see his departure from Parliament House as an ending, but a new ­beginning. “My life be it short or long will always be dedicated to your service.” Picture: AAP