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Australian PM Abbott survives leadership challenge Australian PM Abbott survives leadership challenge
(35 minutes later)
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has survived a party confidence vote on his leadership. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has urged an end to disunity after surviving a party confidence vote on his leadership.
Liberal Party MPs voted by 61 to 39 not to open up his position to challengers.Liberal Party MPs voted by 61 to 39 not to open up his position to challengers.
The leadership test, initiated by a backbencher on Friday, came after a series of policy mis-steps by Mr Abbott that saw his popularity tumble.The leadership test, initiated by a backbencher on Friday, came after a series of policy mis-steps by Mr Abbott that saw his popularity tumble.
Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull had been seen as a likely challenger if the vote passed but in the end the party rallied round the PM. But the prime minister said the issue had now been settled.
The result of the vote, brought forward from Tuesday, was announced by Chief Whip Philip Ruddock. "The Liberal Party has dealt with the spill motion and now this matter is behind us," he said.
"The Liberal Party has met, we have had a ballot, it was properly conducted. The result is very clear. No 61. Yes 39," he said. "When you elect a government, when you elect a prime minister, you deserve to keep that government and that prime minister until you have a chance to change your mind," he said.
Mr Abbott said the leadership issue was now behind the party and that the focus was on jobs, families, a stronger economy and greater national security. "So the focus now is once more on jobs, families, a stronger economy and a secure nation."
He said when voters elected a government and a prime minister the public deserved to keep that government and that prime minister "until you change your mind". Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull had been seen as a likely leadership challenger if the vote passed, but in the end the party rallied round the prime minister.
"The challenge is to work with you, not against you," he said. "I love this country and I will do my best to help this country succeed." 'Chance to move forward'
Mr Abbott had earlier pledged to fight any challenge, saying his Liberal Party was "not going to repeat the chaos and the instability" of the opposition Labor party, which lost office in 2013 after a series of leadership crises. Mr Abbott had earlier pledged to fight any contest, saying his Liberal Party was "not going to repeat the chaos and the instability" of the opposition Labor party, which lost office in 2013 after a series of leadership crises.
But the conservative leader has faced criticism in recent weeks for giving an Australian knighthood to Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip. But the conservative leader has faced severe criticism in recent weeks for giving an Australian knighthood to Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip.
His party also suffered a comprehensive defeat in Queensland state elections, which many attributed to dissatisfaction with the prime minister.His party also suffered a comprehensive defeat in Queensland state elections, which many attributed to dissatisfaction with the prime minister.
Several of his policies, such as a controversial GP payment plan and a change to university funding, had proved unpopular with voters.Several of his policies, such as a controversial GP payment plan and a change to university funding, had proved unpopular with voters.
And on Monday morning, a poll published in The Australian newspaper put satisfaction with his performance down at 24%, his lowest figure in five years. The West Australian backbencher who initiated the leadership test, Luke Simpkins, told journalists the party room had given Mr Abbott an opportunity to "change his approach".
"He should be given that chance to move forward," said Mr Simpkins.
He said the prime minister had promised to consult more with backbenchers, and the cabinet, and listen to the public on issues such as the public health system.
But analysts say Mr Abbott remains far from comfortable, given the number of MPs who voted against him.
On Monday morning, a poll published in The Australian newspaper put satisfaction with his performance down at 24%, his lowest figure in five years.
The poll also showed the ruling Liberal-National coalition behind Labor by 43% to 57%.The poll also showed the ruling Liberal-National coalition behind Labor by 43% to 57%.
Mr Turnbull is preferred over Mr Abbott by voters across the political spectrum, but trails him in terms of support from Liberal voters.Mr Turnbull is preferred over Mr Abbott by voters across the political spectrum, but trails him in terms of support from Liberal voters.