Peter Dutton says he has no regrets about Malcolm Turnbull challenge

Peter Dutton has broken his silence about his failed challenge to Malcolm Turnbull, saying he has no regrets about the saga.

Peter Dutton says he does not regret challenging Malcolm Turnbull for the leadership. Picture: Kym Smith

Peter Dutton says he has no regrets about challenging Malcolm Turnbull for the leadership of the Liberal Party last month, arguing the Coalition was on its way to a significant defeat under the former prime minister.

The Home Affairs Minister, who was beaten by then-treasurer Scott Morrison in the August 24 leadership spill, said the government had done very well under the new Prime Minister.

“I think he has got a good story to tell. I think people can relate to him,” Mr Dutton told the Nine Network.

“I think he is down-to-earth. He is talking about issues that are relevant to families.”

Mr Dutton taunted his fellow panellist on Nine’s Today Show, Labor’s Anthony Albanese, about his leadership ambitions.

“I think Albo might get a chance to pull the baton out again at some stage,” Mr Dutton said.

“It snuck out on a couple of occasions that he is willing to belt (Opposition Leader Bill) Shorten with it at some point but hasn’t had the guts to stand up yet.

“I would watch this space. I think the government is doing well. I think we are back in the race, which is a good thing because Bill Shorten would a disaster as prime minister.”

Asked whether he had any regrets, Mr Dutton said: “No, none, and believe very strongly we were well on our way to a significant defeat at the election, and I honestly believe that Bill Shorten will be a disaster if he is elected Prime Minister.”

“Anthony Albanese actually believes that as well, if he is going to be honest he will talk about it,” Mr Dutton said.

“We are back in the game, and Scott Morrison has done, I think, very well.

“I think he has started strongly and I think the Australian public are listening to what he has got to say and talking about getting power prices down, talking about issues which are relevant to families. I think the government is doing well.”

Mr Albanese said the government was in chaos.

“For Peter Dutton to talk about leadership issues does show a boldness that he is known for,” Mr Albanese said.

Mr Dutton challenged Mr Albanese to rule out challenging Mr Shorten for the Labor leadership.

“I have ruled it out 1000 times, Peter,” Mr Albanese said.