Well, that's a shocker!

[krazykitkat]

Peter Costello isn't standing for the Liberal leadership. We've been speculating whether he jumped or was pushed, but from the sound of this, he's taken his bat and ball and gone home.

From SMH:

Costello is the Coalition's most talented politician, but a strong whiff of pique ran through his remarks today.

He reminded journalists that he had sought generational change in the Liberal Party last year, and been rebuffed.

So now he's rebuffing the party, stunningly - it's as simple as that.

The alternatives are a little strange and scary.

Would going with Turnbull change anything? Surely he represents what was rejected? They couldn't seriously think Downer. Abbott's not being mentioned in the media as a contender. Brendan Nelson is the other being mentioned.

We won't be surprised to see a by-election here, I can't see Ruddock staying on for too much longer. Would be nice to get even a Liberal who is actually does something as a local member.

Getting things through the senate may depend on whether Barnaby Joyce continues to be a loose cannon. Family First had been pretty outspoken against workchoices, so there may be a vote there. The 58 changes to the gay legal discrimination may depend on some of the small l Liberal senators. There was support within the Libs for the changes.

It won't happen, but what I would love to see is:
Shadow Minister for Immigration - Petro Georgiou ;)

Comments

[sangerin.livejournal.com]

Oh, how I would love to see Ruddock throwing in the towel!

One of the best, best, best moments of last night was that ghastly little slug Mal Brough losing his seat.

(I wish Turnbull would put his gay rights cards on the table: he keeps saying that he's pro-gay-rights... if he ends up as leader he'd darn well better do something about it.)

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

He's definitely past retirement age!

[danamaree.livejournal.com]

Strangely, I don't want Turnbull as leader of the Opposition, only because, I like him and him taking on leadership now is political suicide, because I doubt they will win leadership back in 2010.

But someone like Abbot, who I despise, I can handle that. It will be very easy to hate the opposition with him in power.

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

The political commentators seem to be of the opinion that the leadership now is a poisoned chalice.

[stare-me-out.livejournal.com]

My dad reckons that Costello will lay low for a few years, let Abbott and maybe Turnbull have a go then when the party realizes that he is the only person with a hope in hell of leading the Liberals to victory step up again.

Petro Georgiou in ANY shadow portfolio can only be a good thing, he is who the Liberals need as their leader, someone with integrity. I feel massively guilty for not voting for him.

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

My dad reckons that Costello will lay low for a few years, let Abbott and maybe Turnbull have a go then when the party realizes that he is the only person with a hope in hell of leading the Liberals to victory step up again.

Hehehe! I was thinking the same thing.

Petro, Judi Moylan...there's some really good Liberals who should be making decisions.

[stare-me-out.livejournal.com]

Petro, Judi Moylan...there's some really good Liberals who should be making decisions.

Agreed. Sadly I don't see it happening.