By Stephanie Anderson.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott has responded to a new book detailing the final months of his leadership, parts of which he has labelled “gossip and smear”.
The book, written by political commentator Niki Savva, tracks Mr Abbott’s rise to power and his demise, arguing that his chief of staff Peta Credlin shouldered a significant amount of blame for what went wrong.
Savva’s book revealed that Mr Abbott was told to dump Ms Credlin over the “perception” they were having an affair, which Mr Abbott dismissed as “scurrilous gossip and smear”.
In a statement issued today, he said he would not respond to claims made in the book and was instead focused on the election of the Turnbull Government.
“The best response to this book is the objective record of the Abbott government,” he said.
“After fighting Labor to a draw in 2010 and winning a strong majority in 2013, the Abbott government substantially delivered on its commitments.
“A dysfunctional opposition couldn’t win an election and a dysfunctional government couldn’t have got so much done in just two years.”
Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells confirmed she confronted both Mr Abbott and Ms Credlin about rumours circulating among colleagues that he was “sleeping with her”.
Both denied the affair.
This post originally appeared on ABC News.
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Top Comments
He's still delusional. Achieved so much in 2 years? If by "achieving" he means "wrecking", then yes, he certainly achieved a lot.
Oh, and it was so obvious there was an affair going on. Was wondering when someone would acknowledge the elephant in the room. I guess it was being saved for the book.
How was it obvious? Don't you think that 2 professional people can work closely together without some sort of physical relationship? The author of this book would seem to have some sort of an axe to grind against Abbott and Peta Credlin, if you've followed her writing in The Australian you would be well aware that she has taken every opportunity to attack Abbott, and praise Turnbull. I don't suppose that this would have anything to do with the fact that TA didn't want her husband working for him, but he's now working for Malcolm Turnbull.
And yeah, TA did achieve a lot. He dismantled 2 economy wrecking taxes, the carbon and mining taxes, he had the courage to stand up to the left and stop the unfettered intake of illegal boat people, saving thousands of lives in the process, and he finalised 3 trade agreements that had been floating around for years and years. Not too bad for 2 years.. and what has Saint Malcolm done since taking over? Talked a lot.. but that's about it...
You're the delusional one JA., I for one see no 'wrecking' in keeping our borders safe; and I wonder at your venom towards a strong, intelligent, attractive women.
Do you still think, women have to sleep with the boss to get ahead?
Funny that you felt the need to include "attractive" as one of Credlin's attributes. Consider who your chose to include this single word affects your argument.
The revelations regarding Peta Credlin's treatment of the wonderful Margie Abbott are very disturbing. I had wondered why we saw so little of her!
With respect Lucy, they have both denied it. I find it interesting that people who usually promote strong women in office are trotting out the tired old line that a woman must be sleeping with the boss. Perhaps Peta was good at her job??? Perhaps he valued her input? No! Must be sleeping together! Women simply cannot win when other women are so quick to attack!