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Australian PM Tony Abbott brings forward vote on party leadership to Monday
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, fighting for his political life, said he would bring forward to Monday a meeting of his parliamentary colleagues to consider a challenge to his leadership, in an effort to halt a destabilising internal revolt.
A member of Mr Abbott's ruling conservative Liberal Party called on Friday for a secret ballot to decide whether to declare the leadership and deputy leadership positions vacant, to be held at a scheduled meeting on Tuesday. "It is important to end the uncertainty at the very beginning of the parliamentary sitting week," Mr Abbott said in a brief statement on Sunday, calling for a meeting early on Monday.
No member of the government has so far indicated a direct challenge to Mr Abbott, although most media attention has focused on Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a former party leader toppled by Mr Abbott.
Mr Abbott has faced a torrent of criticism in recent weeks over policy decisions ranging from his handling of the economy to awarding an Australian knighthood to Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip.
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, fighting for his political life, said he would bring forward to Monday a meeting of his parliamentary colleagues to consider a challenge to his leadership, in an effort to halt a destabilising internal revolt.
A member of Mr Abbott's ruling conservative Liberal Party called on Friday for a secret ballot to decide whether to declare the leadership and deputy leadership positions vacant, to be held at a scheduled meeting on Tuesday. "It is important to end the uncertainty at the very beginning of the parliamentary sitting week," Mr Abbott said in a brief statement on Sunday, calling for a meeting early on Monday.
No member of the government has so far indicated a direct challenge to Mr Abbott, although most media attention has focused on Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a former party leader toppled by Mr Abbott.
Mr Abbott has faced a torrent of criticism in recent weeks over policy decisions ranging from his handling of the economy to awarding an Australian knighthood to Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip.
