Michael Photios’ business partner joins Tony Abbott snub

The business partner of Liberal powerbroker Michael Photios voted against Tony ­Abbott in his preselection last Friday.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott. Picture: AAP

David Begg, who is the husband of NSW upper house MP Natalie Ward, and who is known as a longstanding opponent of Mr Abbott, was joined by Melina ­Rohan, a staff member of federal North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman, and former Liberal MP Chris Puplick in criticising Mr Abbott at the meeting.

Amid speculation that Mr ­Abbott had barely won a majority at the meeting, the NSW Liberal Party released the figures from the vote today: Mr Abbott won 68 votes, with those who voted against him, or voted for an “empty chair”, attracting 30 votes. There were two informal votes.

Mr Begg and his colleagues were criticised by a leader of their moderates faction, who said yesterday of the stunt: “It’s absolutely pathetic. At a time when the NSW branch is more united than ever, these amateurs pull this stunt.

“These guys were trying to take on a former prime minister who deserves respect.”

Mr Begg said he would not ­reveal his vote, but said: “It’s a ­secret ballot. Our forebears fought in two world wars to (preserve) our right to it.”

Ms Ward is said to be keen to wrest the moderates leadership off state MP Matt Kean.

Mr Abbott slammed branch members who had told Fairfax Media journalists that almost half of those present on the night voted against him.

Michael Photios. Picture: Kym Smith

“If there’s a problem with our polity right now, it’s not so much the budget deficit; it’s the trust deficit,” Mr Abbott said.

“The backgrounding, briefing, leaking; it’s just plain wrong. The failure to be straight with people — this is what’s killing our polity and it’s doing enormous damage to the Liberal Party.

“If I have something to say, I say it to their face.”

Mr Abbott said unlike others, he had told the truth and said the vote was about 70-30.

“Maybe they’re disappointed Malcolm Turnbull is no longer prime minister; that no one ran against me; maybe they want the Liberal Party … to be the Labor Party.’’

A Liberal Party spokesman said of the decision to finally release the vote three days after the ballot: “A recent review of the party’s constitution has determined that the returning officer is obliged to declare the result of the ballot, not the number of votes cast for or against.

“Nevertheless, given inaccurate information being reported ­regarding the recent Warringah endorsement meeting, and at the request of the candidate, we advise that the Hon. Tony Abbott MP was endorsed with 68 votes for, 30 votes against and 2 informal votes.”