Philip Ruddock sacked as Chief Government Whip in wake of spill motion against Tony Abbott
By political editor
Chris Uhlmann,
Alexandra Kirk, staff
Updated 5 minutes agoFri 13 Feb 2015, 5:20pm
Photo: Philip Ruddock says the position of whip "is in the gift of the leader". (AAP: Alan Porritt)
Map: Australia
Veteran MP Philip Ruddock is to stand down as Chief Government Whip in the wake of a leadership spill motion which Tony Abbott described as a near-death experience.
The ABC has confirmed Mr Ruddock will be replaced with Queensland MP Scott Buchholz.
On Monday, Mr Abbott came within 12 votes of being toppled as leader and the narrow victory shocked some of the Prime Minister's loyalists.
Some senior ministers hold Mr Ruddock partly to blame, saying one of his roles should be to rally support for the Prime Minister.
They also believe that had Mr Ruddock been doing his job properly, by acting as a backbench sounding board, then Mr Abbott would have been forewarned that disquiet was building in his ranks.
When contacted by the ABC, Mr Ruddock said "the position of whip is in the gift of the leader, and any advice about that position should come from him [the Prime Minister]".
Mr Abbott is known to have great respect for Mr Ruddock, who is the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives and he would want to ensure that he left with dignity.
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The move has been under discussion for more than a day, with the two men meeting after Parliament rose on Thursday.
Sacking the chief whip might be interpreted by some Coalition MPs as at odds with the Prime Minister's pledge that there would be no recriminations in the aftermath of the failed spill motion.
"These matters are for the leadership to determine as to who is best placed to act as chief government whip," Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.
"A decision has been made."
When asked if Mr Ruddock's departure was linked to this week's leadership spill motion, Ms Bishop said: "I don't believe there's any connection between the two matters."
In a statement, Mr Abbott paid tribute to Mr Ruddock for his "extraordinary contribution to our country, this government, and the Liberal Party".
"As Father of the House, Philip has given over four decades of service to the Australian Parliament and the Australian people.
"Later this year, he will become the longest-serving parliamentarian in our history."
Dave R.
