Rafy
Retired
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- Sep 30, 2004
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- HSC
- 2005
- Uni Grad
- 2008
Nelson calls leadership spill
Federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson has called a leadership vote for tomorrow morning.
Late this afternoon he called his Liberal colleagues to an unscheduled meeting.
It is understood Dr Nelson is trying to settle the leadership by calling on a vote.
One source says that would be a suicide mission and predicts Malcolm Turnbull has the numbers to take the leadership.
In a statement Dr Nelson says that if re-endorsed as leader he will remain "absolutely determined and committed to the future of our Party and Australia".
"But as we move forward, I am asking our party to draw a line in the sand and mark a transition - from the difficult aftermath of an election defeat to the building and presentation of a credible, attractive and inspiring alternative government.
"In doing so, we will make a renewed commitment to unity and discipline, to focus less on internal preoccupations and more on the Rudd Government, policy and the important issues concerning everyday Australians.
"Millions of Australians are counting on us - to hold the Government to account and provide Australians with a credible, attractive and inspiring alternative.
"I am asking my colleagues to make a renewed commitment to do just that."
Media reports over the weekend quoted unnamed Liberal MPs who were predicting a leadership spill in the next fortnight.
Speculation about Mr Turnbull making a move on Mr Nelson's position as Opposition Leader has increased since former treasurer Peter Costello confirmed he did not want the leadership.
But on Sunday foreign affairs spokesman Andrew Robb and Senate leader Nick Minchin both played down talk of a leadership spill.
Last week, Dr Nelson said he was absolutely resolute in being the leader of the party until the next election.
"I am very resilient and I'm very determined and I will be leading us through to the next election," he said.