Turnbull leadership ambitions questioned

The candidates for Wentworth are grilling Malcolm Turnbull over his leadership ambitions.

Labor’s Steven Lewis and the Greens’ Matthew Robertson both highlighted their concerns over Mr Turnbull’s future in Wentworth should he once again seek Liberal party leadership.

Mr Lewis questioned Mr Turnbull’s reasons  reversed his decision in May to leave politics.

“There can be only one answer, because he reckons he’s got another crack at the leadership in him,” Mr Lewis said. “What happens when he has another crack and fails again? I can’t see Malcolm sitting on the benches for another three years. That would mean a by-election and the people of Wentworth deserve better.”

Mr Robertson was equally dubious.

“Voters will quite legitimately question his decision to remain as their local member. And I think the last thing Malcolm wants is a climate change denier as the Liberal leader.”

But Mr Turnbull was adamant he would work with his Liberal colleagues and represent the interests of the people of Wentworth.

“We have a leader and his name is Tony Abbott and he has my full support,” Mr Turnbull said. “Tony has made a commitment that I will have a senior position in cabinet and I intend to serve a full term.”

– By Liam Kinkaid