Australian premier survives leadership challenge
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has survived a challenge against his leadership after his ruling Liberal Party voted down an attempt to remove him from power following weeks of infighting.
The leadership challenge was defeated by 61 votes to 39 in a secret party room ballot early on Monday.
In order to succeed, the “spill motion” (confidence vote) needed to receive a simple majority of 52 of the 102 senators and members of the Liberal Party.
However, the fact that 39 members of the party passed a no-confidence vote against Abbott shows many in the party are skeptical the prime minister will survive in the long run.
The challenge was triggered on Friday by Western Australian MP Luke Simpkins after rising criticism against Abbott's leadership.
In a brief televised statement after the vote, Abbott vowed to make changes to his government and become more “consultative and collegial.”
“We are absolutely determined to work for you, the people who elected us. We want to end the disunity and the uncertainty which destroyed two Labor governments and give you the good government that you deserve,” said the Australian leader.
The spill motion came less than halfway through Abbott’s first term in office. Under party rules, a leadership ballot can go ahead if more than half of the 102 lawmakers back the motion.
Abbott defeated the center-left Labor Party in the September 2013 federal election.
His leadership has come under criticism following an unpopular belt-tightening budget, and shifts in a number of policies, including paid leave for new parents.
The 57-year-old politician also faced harsh criticism late last month when he awarded Britain’s Prince Philip a knighthood on Australia Day.
MSM/SZH/NT/AS
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