Liberal leader Paul Fletcher has sensationally announced he will resign from politics ahead of the next federal election.
Fletcher, who was communications minister under Scott Morrison, has represented the electorate of Bradfield, on Sydney’s leafy north shore, since 2009.
The outgoing MP, whose resignation will put pressure on the Liberal Party to retain control of his marginal seat, said representing Bradfield had been a privilege.
Fletcher will reportedly move into the private sector after his time in Canberra.
“Renewal is healthy, for people and institutions, and now is the right time to hand over the baton,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
‘I will continue to serve my constituents in Bradfield for the remainder of this term. “I will also continue to work towards the election of a Liberal government in Dutton.”
While Bradfield has long been considered a marquee seat for the Liberals, Fletcher nearly lost it in the 2022 election.
There was a big swing against her, after independent Nicolette Boele entered the race.
Liberal leader Paul Fletcher (pictured) has announced he will resign from politics.
The current Opposition Business Director has denied speculation that he will resign over fears he will not be able to retain his seat in the next election.
He said during a speech to Bradfield Liberal Party members that he is confident the Coalition will retain the electorate in the election.
“My decision is not at all due to any lack of confidence about our prospects of holding onto Bradfield,” Fletcher said.
“On the contrary, I think we are very well placed to not only keep Bradfield, but also improve our 2022 result.
Fletcher was at the center of an explosive text message scandal that rocked the previous Liberal government led by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
He was forced to deny leaking text messages exchanged with former New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian, who was critical of Morrison.
The texts, which described Mr Morrison as a “psychopath” and a “fraud”, were attributed to a former cabinet minister who served in the Morrison government.
When asked if he was responsible for the leak of the messages, Fletcher said “no.”
Fletcher was at the center of an explosive text message scandal that rocked the previous Liberal government led by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured).
The Liberals now hold Bradfield with a 4.2 per cent margin.
Boele has launched a new campaign to win the seat in the federal election scheduled for May next year.
Fletcher previously won the seat in the last election after recording 54.2 per cent of the vote.
“While we will take nothing for granted in the campaign, the local mood is clearly different than in 2022,” Fletcher said.
“I hope some outstanding people come forward to be Bradfield’s next Liberal candidate and serve the people of Bradfield with energy and commitment.”
Fletcher was first elected to Parliament following a by-election in 2009 triggered by the retirement of former opposition leader Brendan Nelson.
After Malcolm Turnbull became Prime Minister, Fletcher was appointed Minister for Territories and Local Government and, later, Urban Infrastructure.
He was a prominent cabinet minister in Scott Morrison’s government, first as social services minister and then as communications portfolio leader.