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Former prime minister Tony Abbott to recontest Warringah seat in next election

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has confirmed he will be recontesting the federal seat of Warringah at the next election.

Mr Abbott had previously said he wanted to take time off from politics to spend with his family.

But in a statement, he said his colleagues had encouraged him to stay in politics after leaving the prime ministership last year.

“I have been heartened by the support and encouragement I’ve received to continue to serve the country as a member of Parliament,” he said.

“I am proud of my work to establish the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust that has done so much to improve the amenity of former military land on North Head, Middle Head and Georges Heights.

“Should I be renominated and elected, I am looking forward to working with Premier Mike Baird to ensure that the Warringah Peninsula gets better transport links to the rest of Sydney.”

Mr Abbott has served as the Liberal MP for the northern Sydney seat for 22 years, which he said had been “a great honour”.

“I hope to retain their trust and confidence,” he said.

He served as prime minster for almost two years, but was ousted last September when current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull challenged him for the Liberal Party leadership.

This post originally appeared on ABC News

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