Ousted Liberal leader Brendan Nelson says he holds no malice towards Malcolm Turnbull after he wrested the leadership this morning in a tight partyroom vote.
At times emotional, Dr Nelson has wished Mr Turnbull all the best and says there will be no more leadership rumblings, despite the close result.
“I congratulate Malcolm Turnbull on his election to the leadership of the parliamentary Liberal Party, and obviously the Opposition of Australia,” he said.
“There is absolutely no question that I will do everything I possibly can to support a change of government in 2010 and to support Malcolm Turnbull becoming Australia’s next Prime Minister.”
Mr Nelson will not, however, be accepting a frontbench position, despite the offer being extended by Mr Turnbull.