Via Peter Hartcher today:
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has been texting and calling Liberal MPs to urge them to refer Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to the High Court.
…Moments after Fairfax Media published revelations on Wednesday night of his texts and calls, Mr Turnbull confirmed on Twitter that he had been lobbying his colleagues, including his successor, Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
If Malcolm can get Dutton rubbed out then another bi-election will be needed. As said yesterday, the Government looks likely to lose the Wentworth bi-election, where Alex Turnbull is working to promote Labor. If that happens the Government will need two cross-benchers to see-off a no confidence motion. They will be its ally Cathy McGowan and the ultra right-wing Bob Katter.
But if it loses another seat then it would also need to find a third cross-bench ally among those hostile to it.
It’s a long shot but the Turnbulls appear to be working as team to bring down the Government.
