I don't think trecherous Mal will be sucking up to Pauline -...

I don't think trecherous Mal will be sucking up to Pauline - he's too far left of center for him to be able to do that. I think he'll be replaced by someone (conservative) whose views will be (more)aligned to her position. Most individuals at the center or slightly right of center could form a working coalition with her.

And yes - no argument from me - Shorten (like Mal) is inept, unelectable and just a plain grubby opportunist with a lack of convictions.