Former PM Tony Abbott elected unopposed as Liberal Party’s federal president
Tony Abbott is set to be elected unopposed as the federal president of the Liberal Party, signalling his re-entry into the political front lines.
The former prime minister was the only name for the position of president, after delegates were emailed all the party positions on Friday afternoon.
It is understood the Liberal Federal Council will endorse him next week when they meet in Melbourne.
Former foreign minister Alexander Downer had previously thrown his hat into the ring for the position, but withdrew it in favour of running for a vice presidential position.
Mr Abbott will succeed the current federal president, former South Australian senator John Olsen.
The federal branch of the Liberal Party was contacted for comment.
Mr Abbott was the 28th prime minister of Australia from 2013 to 2015, until he was ousted following a leadership spill led by then-colleague Malcolm Turnbull.
He held his seat of Warringah, on Sydney’s north shore, until 2019, when he was defeated by Independent Zali Steggall.
The Liberal Party’s Federal Council comprises of 14 delegates – including the president, parliamentary leader, president of the Young Liberal Movement, president of the Women’s Council and 10 others – from each state and the ACT.
“The Executive, which is comprised of the Federal office bearers, the Divisional Presidents and the Federal Parliamentary Leadership Group, normally meets at least four times a year,” the Liberal Party’s website outlines.
“Views of the Federal Council are not binding on the Parliamentary party, but do carry considerable weight as the stated position of the organisation on a range of policy issues.”
