Australian prime minister Tony Abbott faces sudden attempt to oust him

[unhappycamper]

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/sep/14/tony-abbott-australian-prime-minister-faces-sudden-coup-attempt

Former Liberal party leader Malcolm Turnbull – who was himself ousted by Abbott in 2009 – challenges for top job after months of growing discontent in ranks

Australian prime minister Tony Abbott faces sudden attempt to oust him
Daniel Hurst in Canberra
Monday 14 September 2015 05.06 EDT

The Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, is in danger of losing the top job after two years in office after a former Liberal party leader, Malcolm Turnbull, declared on Monday that he would challenge for the position.

The challenge caps a tumultuous time in Australian politics, where members of a political party can attempt to ambush a leader with a sudden request to “spill” – or declare vacant – the leadership. Turnbull, an urbane former investment banker and lawyer who defended Peter Wright in the Spycatcher case, would become the fifth Australian prime minister in five years if a majority of Liberal parliamentarians supported his bid.

Abbott, whose standing in opinion polls has been damaged by a series of unpopular budget cuts, policy U-turns and gaffes, said he would fight the leadership challenge because Australia needed “strong and stable government” and the prime ministership was “not a prize or a plaything to be demanded”.

The Liberal party, which is the dominant force in a governing coalition with the rural-focused Nationals, was due to make a decision at a meeting in Canberra on Monday evening.

[newfie11]

1. Good

[unhappycamper]

2. Bummer.

Not.

They were talking about replacing him yesterday and I saw that Tony the Onion was out yesterday evening on cable news.

Well Done!