Ousted opposition leader Peter Dutton arrived back in Canberra today after the Liberal Party’s historic defeat on Saturday.
Dutton flew into the nation’s capital from his native Brisbane, where he was dramatically booted from his own seat by Labor’s Ali France, and told media he would now make a “graceful exit” from politics.
“I just want to say thank you to all of those who have offered good wishes, there are a lot of people who have been very kind and generous in their remarks, so I am very grateful for that,” Dutton said.
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When asked if he had any thoughts on the new Liberal leader, Dutton refused to speculate.
He said the decision to vote for a new opposition leader was an issue for his former colleagues.
”I’ve spoken to my colleagues and the Liberal Party rebuilds from here, as it should be,” he added.
“Former leaders make a graceful exit from politics and maintain their graceful silence.”
Dutton returned from a few days spent in Brisbane after his concession speech on Saturday evening.
He said during his speech that the Liberal campaign “didn’t do well enough” as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese claimed victory in a massive swing against the Coalition.
“Tonight’s not the night that we wanted for the Liberal Party or for our Coalition or indeed for our country,” Dutton said.
“We didn’t do well enough during this campaign. That much is obvious tonight and I accept full responsibility for that.”
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Dutton was the first Liberal opposition leader to lose their seat in the federal election in Australian history.
The result marked the end of his tenure as Liberal leader and as a member of parliament.
Speculation is now mounting over who the Coalition will choose as the next opposition leader.
Expected candidates include deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley, who is now the most senior member of the Coalition following Dutton’s exit, and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor.
Albanese, meanwhile, shared a snap of his walk with dog Toto today following his election win.
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