Australian politics is a real blood sport as Tony Abbott becomes the second Prime Minister to be ousted by his party in his first term.
He was challenged by his Communications Minister, Malcolm Turnbull for the leadership and was defeated 54-44.
Turnbull was supported by the current Foreign Minister and Deputy Liberal leader, Julie Bishop. Bishop was herself challenged for the Deputy Leadership but was re-elected 70 votes for to 30 against her.
Turnbull came to prominence during his role as the lawyer for Peter Wright in the Spy-Catcher trial. He also led the failed push for Australia to become a republic 1999.
He previously served as Liberal leader from 2008-09, but lost out to Tony Abbott by one vote in December 2009.
After a brief period on backbench, Turnbull joined Abbott’s front bench and was appointed to the cabinet when the Coalition won the 2013 election.
Today was the sixth leadership ballot in a sitting Prime Minister in just five years.
David McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
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