Dumped prime minister Malcolm Turnbull is reportedly set to quit federal parliament this week and spark a by-election in his seat on October 6.
Nine Network and the ABC report Mr Turnbull will quit parliament this week, after he promised he wouldn’t stay on the back bench.
The move will leave the coalition one seat down for two sitting weeks, leaving new Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a precarious position with no majority in parliament.
Just days after Tony Abbott helped orchestrate Mr Turnbull’s demise, he is now campaigning for his sister to replace him in his plum Sydney electorate.
Christine Forster on Monday confirmed she intends to run for Liberal pre-selection in Wentworth after being encouraged by several people within the party to replace the ousted prime minister.
Ms Forster also has the backing of her brother, who said she would be a good competitor in the impending by-election.
“She and I famously have had our differences but she is an outstanding individual,” Mr Abbott told reporters in Sydney.
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“If she does put her hand up for Wentworth and if she is successful, I know she will be a wonderful, wonderful competitor in any by-election and she’d be a great local member if she were elected.”
Mr Turnbull is yet to announce his resignation from the harbourside seat but told reporters last week it won’t be long.