Julie Bishop’s tenure as foreign minister may have come to an end, but she’s already plotting her way back to the top.
After stepping down from the frontbench following her failed attempt to become Prime Minister, there was speculation that Ms Bishop would step down as an MP.
But the member for Curtin, in Western Australia, has not taken her eyes off the prize.
Former foreign minister Julie Bishop’s time near the top of the power echelon may have ended for now but the MP won’t rule out a power play in the future
Ms Bishop gave a press conference to officially step down as foreign minister after the leadership vote .
‘Given the circumstances, I believed it was appropriate for me to resign my Cabinet role as foreign minister,’ she said.
‘This is one of the most significant positions in the Government for our economic prosperity and our national security, depends upon our international engagement, our relationships, our reputation, our standing in the eyes of the world.’
Ms Bishop was asked directly if she intended on making another run at a senior position in the party, whether frontbench or the leadership itself.
After leaving her role as Foreign Minister there was speculation around what the future would hold for Miss Bishop, with a future shot at party leadership being a possibility
‘It’s far too early for me to even contemplate what I might do. But I will certainly have plenty of time to consider my options and reflect on what has been an extraordinary time,’ she said.
But Ms Bishop has now spoken to Post Newspapers in her home state about her decision to quit as foreign minister.
‘I just felt it was best I not be part of that cabinet, I got caught up in unbelievable conflict between the Left and the Right of my party,’ she said.
Ms Bishop also said she felt she could have put together a good team and had the had the policy depth and experience for the top job.
Not gaining the vote of a single WA MP was something that ‘surprised’ the former minster.
‘I always believed West Australians had a responsibility to look out for the interests of this state.’
Ms Bishop wished new Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured with Governor General Peter Cosgrove) and the new ministry all the best
Some pundits believe that her pre-selection to contest her seat of Curtain is a sign of her future political ambitions to take a run at the party leadership in the future
She also said she felt there was a ‘Queensland influence’ over the Liberal Party.
Some believed that her pre-selection to contest her seat of Curtin is a sign of her future political ambitions to take a run at the party leadership in the future.
Ms Bishop was also asked about her future in politics during the Tuesday press conference.
‘I will remain as the Member for Curtin, as I had the overwhelming support of my constituents. I’m optimistic about my future, whatever it may hold. So, thank you to everybody who has sent me good wishes over the last week,’ she said.
The West Australian MP made the surprise admission that no other WA MP’s voted for her during last week’s leadership vote
‘I wish ScoMo and Joshy and the Cabinet and the Ministry, every success in providing good government for Australia, and by upholding the values of the Liberal Party.’
During the press conference Ms Bishop was asked about the impact on the Liberal Party after her being move to the back bench.
‘Well, obviously, as a back bencher, I am somewhat constrained. As a Deputy, I had much more ability to travel the country at the request of my colleagues,’ she said.
‘But I’m sure that the Party will put forward a set of policies that will be in the interests of business and individuals that take risks, build businesses, are looking for opportunities, and the Liberal Party has always been a pro-business Government.
‘I’m sure that Government will want to see the Liberal-National Coalition continue, rather than risk their future with the Labor Government.’