Aside from getting his budgie smugglers in a knot over balloon colours, it seems he's struggling to exercise control in Queensland
From the Courier Mail "A SECRET telephone message has revealed Opposition Leader Tony Abbott was overruled by Queensland party heavyweights when he fought to retain dumped MP Michael Johnson.
The explosive recording obtained by The Courier- Mail reveals Mr Abbott also promised to "fix" the legal issues that led to Mr Johnson's disendorsement for the Brisbane seat of Ryan.
Mr Abbott told Mr Johnson that LNP state president Bruce McIver should "support" the Queensland MP rather than give him "grief".
Mr Johnson was later expelled after the party found he had allegedly used his political position to further his business interests.
The message fuels questions about Mr Abbott's grip on the Queensland arm of the party which will be crucial to his success if he is to oust Julia Gillard as prime minister.
