Julie Bishop’s loyalty was called into question on The Project last night.
Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party Julie Bishop has been accused of being a “traitor” who failed to warn Tony Abbott as soon as she knew a coup was imminent.
In a media blitz yesterday, she said that she knew of the coup in the days running up to Monday but only told Mr Abbott in the hours leading up to the spill.
Appearing on The Project last night, she was asked why she didn’t tell Mr Abbott immediately.
You can watch the interview below. Post continues after video.
Waleed Aly asked: “If Malcolm Turnbull said he was going to challenge and he told you that, don’t you get straight on the phone to Tony Abbott if you support him loyally and tell him that?”
She said: “I provide the information when I think it’s at a point where the Prime Minister must know. But I am not the only person who provides the Prime Minister with advice and information,”
“Do you think hearing that tonight, Tony Abbott would feel let down by you as Waleed point out? You are his deputy. Someone tells you that they are about to knife him. You don’t pass it on?” Steve Price asked.
“That isn’t how it worked … people have been talking about Malcolm and I had no idea of the timing until the day before, and that’s when I informed the Prime Minister. As soon as I could,” Ms Bishop replied.
She had earlier told the Seven Network she felt very sad for Tony and for his family when she was asked if she was a traitor.
“It was not a easy decision for anyone to make. No-one took this decision lightly.”
Do you think Julie Bishop acted with dignity?
Top Comments
Watched the interview last night and thought Julie made the panel look ridiculous. Why is she the only one being called and backstabber, disloyal and a traitor? I haven't read anywhere that she was working in the background ringing around getting the numbers for Turnbull. It wasn't Julie Bishop who challenged Abbott. When they had the meeting in February he was told he had 6 months to change his leadership style and no more surprise captains call. Well what did he do, remember arise Sir Prince Phillip......
And more fool him if sometime last month he didn't think to himself my six month review is coming and unsurprisingly I haven't changed my leadership style. May have a problem.
The Sir Prince Phillip decision was before the February spill attempt.
Turnbull seems to be keeping the same policies as Abbott, it's not looking that impressive honestly, especially after looking back on his comments regarding Rudd.
" I will never forget the day that you gave your press conference following your removal as Leader of the Labor Party by your colleagues. It is etched in my memory. It was one of the cruellest moments I have ever witnessed. The betrayal of you as leader of your party was one of the most shocking events I have ever witnessed, and I would think any of us have ever witnessed, in politics - the scale of it."
- Malcolm Turnbull 2013