ABC 7.30: Julie Bishop denies she is canvassing an attempt at leadership

Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop has backed Malcolm Turnbull and insisted she is not “canvassing” an attempt at leadership.

PM Malcolm Turnbull with Julie Bishop holding a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop has backed Malcolm Turnbull and insisted she is not “canvassing” an attempt at leadership, while stating she believes Peter Dutton signalled his intentions to become Prime Minister as early as April this year.

Speaking on the ABC’s 7.30 program tonight, Ms Bishop said while there is debate within the Liberal Party about how it connects with Australians, she believes the Coalition has been making progress in recent months.

“Peter Dutton made it clear in April that he wanted to be prime minister. I think that was a signal to colleagues that he wants the job,” Ms Bishop said.

“I’ve got a job. I’m getting on with my job of delivering good government for the people of Australia, and supporting the Turnbull government in doing that. People want to hear about how they’re going to get and keep a job, housing affordability, downward pressure on costs — that’s what they want to hear us talk about, so that’s what I’m focused on.”

In April, Mr Dutton cited Mr Turnbull’s 30th consecutive Newspoll loss and said he would like to be Prime Minister one day.

“There are 149 people in the federal Parliament, I’m one and I think the other 148, if they’re being honest, would tell you if the opportunity came their way they’d be interested as well,” he told 3AW Radio in Melbourne.

“I don’t think it is right and history demonstrates that … I think politics can turn on a dime, there are issues that can change votes overnight.”

Tonight, Ms Bishop said it’s “a matter for Peter (Dutton)” whether he challenges Mr Turnbull again, as he did this morning only to lose 48 votes to 35.

“We now have to heal the divisions and bring the party together and focus on what unites us — and that is most certainly that the Coalition policies deliver strong economic management and strong national security,” she said.

“This morning I was elected unopposed as the deputy of the Liberal Party. That’s my job. That’s the role the party room have elected me to. And that’s what I’m focusing on. The people in my electorate and the people of Western Australia want to hear politicians talking about their concerns. And I suggest that would be the case across the country.”

When asked whether she harboured leadership ambitions, Ms Bishop replied: “I’m not canvassing that option.” She also said there were too many “hypotheticals” to say what she would do if Mr Turnbull resigned.