Government Minister Christopher Pyne has refused to address public fury over the leadership drama that has paralysed Australia.
The Minister for Defence Industry, a staunch supporter of the Prime Minister, fended off questions from reporters at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday.
‘I don’t like the tone of your questions,’ Mr Pyne snapped when asked about rising anger among voters.
A letter with the required 43 signatures was handed to the Prime Minister, who then insisted they be verified
Mr Pyne earlier refused to say who he would support in Friday’s leadership spill, and said he was fond of all three contenders.
‘Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton, Julie Bishop, they are all good friends of mine and all good colleagues of mine. I think I will keep my vote to myself,’ he said.
He hit out at people acting in their own ‘self interest and ambition’ but would not rule out serving in a Dutton Cabinet.
‘I joined the Liberal Party when I was 17 years old. If I was given a position in a new government I will consider the offer and if it seem as fair only take it,’ he said.
‘I don’t like the tone of your questions,’ Mr Pyne snapped when asked about rising anger among voters
But when repeatedly asked about who he would vote for, and pressed on the reaction of the Australian people to the crisis, Mr Pyne lashed out.
He then stormed down a flight of stairs after telling the reporter he did not like the tone of his questions.
The Liberal partyroom will vote on a motion to spill for the leadership at noon on Friday, set to be a three-way contest between Peter Dutton, Julie Bishop and Scott Morrison.
A letter with the required 43 signatures was handed to the Prime Minister, who then insisted they be verified.
The Liberal partyroom will vote on a motion to spill for the leadership at noon on Friday, set to be a three-way contest between Peter Dutton (pictured), Julie Bishop and Scott Morrison