Malcolm Turnbull reveals on The Project of what he really thinks of Peter Dutton

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has stunned The Project panel with a scathing attack on former Coalition colleague Peter Dutton, declaring ‘he’s a thug’.

Mr Turnbull left The Project hosts lost for words when he gave a blistering assessment on the federal Opposition Leader on Sunday night.

When asked what sort of prime minister Peter Dutton would make if he was to win the next federal election, Mr Turnbull gave a blunt response.

‘I think that’s something we should contemplate with dread,’ Mr Turnbull said.

The comment sparked astonishment from the panel.

‘Oh really, why is that?’ host Sarah Harris asked.

‘Don’t hold back Malcolm,’ panel member Peter Helliar said.

Mr Turnbull responded with a smile on his face, ‘Well, he’s a thug.’

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (pictured) was dealt a blistering attack by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on The Project on Sunday

The studio audience erupted with laughter at Mr Turnbull’s comment.

Mr Turnbull continued: ‘Peter’s got one tune that he plays and it’s been all his political life and that is division and animosity, generally targeted at immigrants.

‘I couldn’t think of anyone less suited to be Prime Minister of a multicultural society like Australia.

‘There’s no point pulling my punches, it’s an important question and I’ve given you an honest answer.’

When asked if there was a chance he would vote Labor in the next election, Mr Turnbull said, ‘Well it’s always a chance… I haven’t done so… there are all sorts of options.’

Earlier in the interview, he was asked if he believes if current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will call an early election. 

‘No, I don’t think so,’ Mr Turnbull said. 

‘It would be really hard to have an election between now and the end of the year, with state elections like Queensland and redistribution.

‘I think he’ll (Mr Albanese) go between March and May next year.’

Sarah Harris (pictured) interviewed former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on The Project on Sunday

Questioned about the chances of returning to politics himself, Mr Turnbull quickly rejected the suggestion. 

‘No, I’m happy to be out of it,’ he said.

‘But I really loved doing the work I did in politics and I would have liked to do it for a few more years.’

While Mr Turnbull said he has ‘absolutely’ no desire to return, he joked with host Sarah Harris when she prodded: ‘Just to keep Dutton out of the top job?’

‘Well look, I’m young enough for it,’ he quipped.