Australian PM Turnbull survives leadership challenge, calls for unity

21 Aug, 2018 03:22

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has survived a leadership challenge by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton by 48 votes to 35 during the ruling Liberal Party lawmakers’ meeting on Tuesday. “United we will maintain the strong momentum and the great achievements our government has made,” Turnbull told reporters in Canberra. Turnbull said treasurer Scott Morrison would now act as interim home affairs minister, after Dutton resigned from the cabinet following his failed bid. Australia has had six different leaders over the past decade, and Turnbull would next month become Australia's longest serving prime minister since John Howard lost power in 2007, after more than 11 years in office.