Australia was bracing for yet another change of prime minister Friday after a revolt against Malcolm Turnbull by hardline conservatives in his Liberal party, with his near three-year reign hanging by a thread.
Former home affairs minister Peter Dutton, an ex-police officer and right-winger, has been the stalking horse seeking to unseat Turnbull after a party backlash against his more moderate approach to politics.
Turnbull survived one attempt to knife him on Tuesday, winning a party room vote 48-35, but since then ministers have been defecting and a second letter adership challenge is likely at noon (200GMT) Friday.
Dutton needs to prove he has majority backing, or 43 signatures from within the partys parliamentary group a requirement for him to force a second crack at the top job ahead of national Ok opelections due by mid-2019.
Reports on Friday said at least 43 lawmakers were onboard for a leadership change. Turnbull has asked for a Verification of the signatures and has promised a meeting for voting.
Turnbull, who accused Dutton and his supporters of bullying and intimidation, on Thursday said he would not contest a second leadership challenge and leave parliament, although he did not put a timetable on when he would go.
If he moves out of politics, it would spark a by-election for his Sydney seat, threatening the governments one-seat parliamentary majority.
Even if Dutton gets the numbers for a challenge, there is no guarantee he will assume the top job after foreign minister Julie Bishop and treasurer Scott Morrison, both Turnbull allies, threw their hats in the ring.
During a three-way vote, whoever comes last in the first round will be eliminated with a second round taking place to decide who becomes leader.
Defence industry Minister Christopher Pyne, a Turnbull ally, refused to say who he would be backing and hit out at elements inside his party.
I think some people should have considered the greater good of the people of Australia, and the government, rather than their own self-interest and ambition, he said.
Source: NAN