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Malcolm Turnbull: Australian ex-PM ‘to quit parliament’

Malcolm Turnbull: Australian ex-PM 'to quit parliament'

Mr Turnbull was replaced by Scott Morrison last week in a bid to end infighting that had crippled the centre-right government.

 

The ousted leader said Australians would be “appalled” by recent events.

 

His departure will trigger a by-election and place Mr Morrison’s parliamentary majority at risk.

Without Mr Turnbull, Mr Morrison will command 75 of a reduced 149 seats in the House of Representatives.

 

A by-election for Mr Turnbull’s seat will most likely take place in October, Australian media reported.

 

If the government loses the seat, Mr Morrison will be forced to rely on independents to pass legislation in a 150-member parliament. The Labor opposition currently has 69 seats.

 

The seat, Wentworth, has been held by the conservative Liberal Party since World War Two. However, some say victory for the government is not guaranteed.

 

In a further twist, Mr Abbott’s sister, Christine Forster, is reported to be considered running for the seat – but must first be selected by the Liberal Party.

 

The next general election is due to be held by May, with opinion polls currently giving Labor the lead.