/ 27 May 2022

Dutton firming up as opposition leader

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton and Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a press conference after visiting TAE Aerospace on Day 12 of the 2022 federal election campaign, near Ipswich, east of Brisbane, in the seat of Blair. Friday, April 22, 2022. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton and Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a press conference after visiting TAE Aerospace on Day 12 of the 2022 federal election campaign, near Ipswich, east of Brisbane, in the seat of Blair. Friday, April 22, 2022. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING

As Labor edges closer to a majority in the House of Reps, the Liberal Party has launched a review into its election performance that has seen the Coalition reduced to its smallest share of seats in at least 70 years. Looking forward, Queensland Liberal Peter Dutton is likely to become the leader on Monday, making him the first from outside NSW to head up the Libs since Alexander Downer in 1995. Borrowing a line from another Queenslander, he said “I’m not the prettiest bloke on the block, but I hope I’m going to be pretty effective”. That came after Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek said he looked like Harry Potter series villain Voldemort. PM Anthony Albanese ruled his colleague’s sledge out of order because he wants to change the political climate. Sussan Ley, the former environment minister, is set to become the Liberals’ 2nd female deputy leader, and Victorian Darren Chester says he will challenge Barnaby Joyce for the leadership of the Nationals on Monday.

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