Reports from Liberal sources indicate that Scott Morrison, the former Prime Minister, is expected to step down from parliament in February, leading to a by-election in his Cook seat.
Morrison has informed colleagues of his intention to formally announce his retirement soon, as confirmed by Guardian Australia.
On Tuesday, NSW Liberal state director Richard Shields expressed his anticipation of Morrison’s retirement.
According to the Australian Financial Review, Morrison has confirmed his departure, stating that he looks forward to being more involved in his church community outside the confines of public office.
Morrison and Shields have been contacted by Guardian Australia for comment.
The announcement, initially expected by the end of January, seems to have been expedited in response to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald that Morrison would resign.
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, who represents Peter Dutton on the NSW Liberal executive, expressed uncertainty about Morrison’s plans on Tuesday.
Taylor commended Morrison’s significant contributions, including the Aukus alliance, leadership during Covid, and income tax reform, which he described as a critical legacy championed by Morrison as treasurer and prime minister.
Morrison, first elected in 2007, holds Cook with a comfortable 12.4% margin.
He previously served as the minister for immigration and as treasurer to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull before assuming the role of PM himself.
Morrison’s popularity declined due to his handling of the 2019-20 black summer bushfires and his response to the Covid pandemic, leading to his loss in the 2022 election to Labor under Anthony Albanese.
In July 2023, Morrison was the subject of adverse findings in the robodebt royal commission report, which led to pressure from colleagues, although it was expected that the report made it less likely he would resign immediately.
Morrison is set to release a memoir in May titled “Plans for Your Good - A Prime Minister’s Testimony of God’s Faithfulness.”
In September, Morrison stated, “If I ever had anything to say I would say it to the people of the shire first.” He expressed his enjoyment of being back local and engaging with the community.
Source: www.theguardian.com