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Tony Abbott Liberal leadership vote live: Malcolm Turnbull launches sudden coup to seize leadership of party Tony Abbott to face leadership challenge from Malcolm Turnbull
(35 minutes later)
Here are the latest updates:
● Tony Abbott faces challenge from Malcolm Turnbull, who has resigned as Communications Minister
● Party MPs will vote for the leader of the Liberal Party
● Result are expected tonight, around 9pm local time
● Aussies 'put out their onions' for widely derided leader
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, is being challenged for the leadership by senior cabinet minister Malcolm Turnbull.The Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, is being challenged for the leadership by senior cabinet minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Mr Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop visited Mr Abbot's office to request a ballot for leader of the Liberal Party.Mr Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop visited Mr Abbot's office to request a ballot for leader of the Liberal Party.
Mr Turnbull, who has resigned as Communications Minister, told a press conference in Canberra: "A little while ago I met with the prime minister and advised him that I would be challenging him for the leadership of the Liberal Party, and I asked him to arrange or facilitate a meeting of the party room to enable a leadership ballot to be held.Mr Turnbull, who has resigned as Communications Minister, told a press conference in Canberra: "A little while ago I met with the prime minister and advised him that I would be challenging him for the leadership of the Liberal Party, and I asked him to arrange or facilitate a meeting of the party room to enable a leadership ballot to be held.
 
“This is not a decision that anyone could take lightly.“This is not a decision that anyone could take lightly.
"It is clear enough that the government is not successful in providing the economic leadership that we need.""It is clear enough that the government is not successful in providing the economic leadership that we need."
In his speech, Mr Turnbull outlined how he would differ from Mr Abbot as prime minister, by providing stronger economic leadership and open and accountable government. He also said he will value input from all quarters and move the debate towards "advocacy, not slogans". There are suggestions the prime minister will address reporters shortly.
The prime minister has said there will be a ballot tonight.
He said: "Australia needs strong government and that means avoiding all costs Labor’s revolving-door prime ministership.
"You can trust me to deliver a stronger economy and a safer community.
"The prime ministership of this country is not a prize or a plaything to be demanded. It should be something which is earned by a vote of the Australian people."
This article will be updated shortlyThis article will be updated shortly