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Turnbull says he’s got the ticker

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has called Prime Minister Tony Abbott a “courageous” man with a “wonderful” sense of humour after declining to name his personal attributes several times.

While appearing on ABC’s 7.30 program on Tuesday night, Mr Turnbull was probed on whether he would mount a challenge against Mr Abbott for the leadership and asked if he ‘lacked the ticker’ to do it.

“My ticker is in very good shape,” Mr Turnbull replied.

• Can Malcolm Turnbull become a new Bob Hawke?
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The popular MP, who is most preferred among voters to lead the Liberal Party, initially declined to say why Mr Abbott was the best person to lead, adding all that mattered was party room confidence.

“To be the leader of a political party you only need one attribute and that is to have the confidence of the party room,” Mr Turnbull said.

“He is the best person because he has the confidence of the party room.

“Yes, there was a spill motion but it was not carried and we are all behind the leader, every single one of us.”

When asked if he wanted the job of prime minister handed to him, Mr Turnbull said all 102 members of the party supported Mr Abbott, and called a gulf between the two men “quite imaginary”.

Mr Turnbull said Mr Abbott had “many strengths” as prime minister, and told 7.30 host Leigh Sales it would take “too long” to name them.

“He’s a very intelligent, courageous, brave man, a very thoughtful guy. He’s got a wonderful self-deprecating sense of humour.”

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