Malcolm Turnbull to resign from parliament, writes letter to Wentworth constituents

Malcolm Turnbull reflects on his ousting and reveals his future plans in a letter to constituents in Wentworth.

Malcolm Turnbull gives his final press conference after vacating the Liberal Party leadership. Picture: Sean Davey

Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed he will resign from parliament this week in a letter sent to constituents in his electorate of Wentworth in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The former prime minister shared the letter on Facebook, calling last week’s events “shocking and shameful”, while also selling his achievements in the top job, including same-sex marriage, economic growth and tax cuts.

In a veiled swipe at Tony Abbott, he said “recent events” show why it is best for former prime ministers to be out of parliament.

“I don’t want to dwell on recent shocking and shameful events — a malevolent and pointless week of madness that disgraced our parliament and appalled our nation,” Mr Turnbull wrote.

“As you know, I have always said that the best place for former PMs is out of the parliament, and recent events amply demonstrate why. I will be resigning as the member for Wentworth later this week and you should expect a by-election before too long.

“So this is my last letter to you as your federal member. It has been at times a wild ride, but together we have achieved an enormous amount. I am very proud, especially, of the achievements of the government over the past almost three years.

“With a one-seat majority in the House and a minority in the Senate many said that this government would be ‘in office but not in power’. We disproved that.

“We legalised Same Sex Marriage — and did so with overwhelming public support across the nation and especially here in Wentworth, where over 80 per cent voted YES for marriage equality.

“We delivered, as we promised, more jobs and stronger economic growth. Last year was Australia’s best year ever for jobs growth, and at 3.1 per cent our GDP growth rate is higher than any of the G7 economies.

“And in doing that we were able to repair the budget and reduce taxes — both for individuals and 3.3 million small and medium-sized businesses employing 6.8 million Australians.’’

He concludes his letter: “After we take some time out to rest up, Lucy and I will be back and look forward to seeing you in the neighbourhood here in Wentworth — the best part of the best country in the world.’’

Instagram photo posted by Malcolm Turnbull on a morning walk in Canberra with his wife Lucy, daughter, Daisy and son-in Law, James Brown the morning after being dumped as PM.