Scott Morrison fires a brutal shot at Leigh sales as he is accused of lying AGAIN in confronting interview over THAT Gladys Berejiklian text message, and his disgraced preacher mate Brian Houston: ‘That’s a lot of smoke, no fire?’
- Leigh Sales has grilled Scott Morrison in a tense showdown on ABC’s 7.30 report
- She confronted him about bullying claims made about him from within his party
- Sales said many have questioned his character, including Gladys Berejiklian
- PM claimed Ms Berejiklian denied sending texts calling him a ‘horrible person’
- Journalist Peter van Onselen tweeted the PM had lied – text was never denied
Veteran journalist Leigh Sales has bombarded Scott Morrison with a series of tough questions scrutinising his leadership in a tense showdown on ABC’s 7.30 program.
Sales, known for her resolute approach to holding people to account, maintained her famed interview style on Tuesday night as she grilled the prime minister over criticisms of his government.
Mr Morrison was confronted over controversies plaguing his reputation ahead of the upcoming election, including inadequate flood relief, his friendship with a disgraced preacher, and character assassinations levelled him by members within his own party.
ABC’s Leigh Sales hit Scott Morrison (pictured) with a tough line of questions on 7.30 on Tuesday
Sales (pictured) confronted Mr Morrison over a series of controversies that have tainted his reputation
Despite being on Sales’ firing line, the prime minister performed relatively well, providing a smooth response to every question – but one answer has landed him in trouble.
At one point, Sales asserted that many of Mr Morrison’s associates have spoken poorly of his character, citing leaked text messages sent by former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to another Liberal minister describing the PM as a ‘horrible person’.
But Mr Morrison quickly shot down the accusation – claiming Ms Berejiklian denied sending the message – despite the former premier never formerly doing so.
‘Let’s look at the range of people who have questioned your character,’ Sales said to Mr Morrison.
‘Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Barnaby Joyce in a text message, Jacqui Lambie, Pauline Hanson both say they felt bullied by you, Julia Banks, Emmanuel Macron said you lied to him, a leaked text from Gladys Berejiklian calling you a horrible, horrible person.
‘That’s a lot of smoke. No fire?’
Mr Morrison replied: ‘Which she denies by the way’.
But political reporter Peter van Onselen, who broke the story on the text scandal, quickly fired up his Twitter account to debunk Mr Morrison’s claims.
‘The Prime Minister Just told ABC 7.30 Gladys Berejiklian “denies” the “horrible, horrible person” text. That is an out and out lie.’
Political reporter Peter van Onselen tweeted that Mr Morrison had lied by claiming Ms Berejiklian denied the text
In January after the bombshell text exchange was made public, Ms Berejiklian issued a statement expressing support for the PM – but she never claimed she was not responsible.
‘I understand there has been some commentary today concerning myself and the PM. I have no recollection of such messages,’ Ms Berejiklian’s statement read.
‘Let me reiterate my very strong support for Prime Minister Morrison and all he is doing for our nation during these very challenging times.
‘I also strongly believe he is the best person to lead our nation for years to come.’
Continuing his answer to Sales’ question, Mr Morrison claimed long lists of discreditations were inevitable as prime minister.
‘As Prime Minister, when people come and they just want a yes from me or want the outcome they’re seeking and I disagree with them and I take a different position…. the allegation they make against me on that is not true,’ he said.
‘And when they don’t get what they want, like a $90 billion submarine contract, then of course they’re going to lash out.’
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