MALCOLM TURNBULL OUSTS TONY ABBOTT

Malcolm Turnbull has been appointed as Liberal leader after ousting prime minister Tony Abbott in a party room ballot in Canberra tonight.

Chief Government Whip Scott Buchholz said Mr Turnbull had won the vote 54-44 to become Australia’s 29th prime minister.

Julie Bishop was reelected as deputy Liberal leader, defeating Kevin Andrews 70 votes to 30.

“Tonight there were two ballots conducted; one ballot for leader, one ballot for deputy leader,” Mr Buchholz said.

“Malcolm Turnbull was successful on 54, Tony Abbott on 44 and one was informal.”