A private text message exchange between former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and an unnamed Liberal cabinet member allegedly refers to Prime Minister Scott Morrison as a “complete psycho” and a “horrible, horrible person”.
Network Ten political reporter Peter Van Onselen claimed to have a copy of the exchange between Ms Berejiklian and the unnamed Liberal. He did not specify if they were a state or federal cabinet member. Ms Berejiklian says she has no recollection of the messages.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison during his address to the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on Tuesday.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
“I’ve been provided with a text message exchange between the former New South Wales premier and a current Liberal cabinet minister. I’ve got them right here. In one she describes you as ‘a horrible, horrible person’, going on to say she did not trust you and you’re more concerned with politics than people,” Van Onselen asked the Prime Minister at the National Press Club on Tuesday.
“The minister is even more scathing, describing you as a ‘fraud’ and ‘a complete psycho’. Does this exchange surprise you? And what do you think that it tells us?”
Mr Morrison responded cautiously to the surprise question.
“Well, I don’t know who you’re referring to or the basis of what you’ve put to me. But I obviously don’t agree with it, and I don’t think that is my record,” Mr Morrison responded.
After the alleged exchange was revealed, Ms Berejiklian said she did not remember the messages.
“I understand there has been some commentary today concerning myself and the PM. I have no recollection of such messages,” she said in a statement.
“Let me reiterate my very strong support for Prime Minister Morrison and all he is doing for our nation during these very challenging times. I also strongly believe he is the best person to lead our nation for years to come.”
Journalist Peter van Onselen during Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s address to the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on Tuesday 1 February 2022.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
It’s not the first time the allegedly frosty relationship between the Liberal leaders has been exposed. Last year The Sydney Morning Herald reported Ms Berejiklian went as far as to tell a colleague Mr Morrison’s behaviour was ‘evil’ after the Prime Minister’s office phoned political reporters in a background effort to discredit her over the vaccine rollout last year.
But Ms Berejiklian said, “don’t believe what you read” and said she was on good terms with Mr Morrison.
Late last year, the Prime Minister led an appeal for the former state Premier to run for the federal state of Warringah, telling reporters in Sydney at the time she’d be a ‘great’ candidate for the independent-held seat. Ms Berejiklian ruled out the idea days later.
Ms Berejiklian stepped down from her role of NSW premier after the state’s corruption watchdog announced she was to be the subject of an inquiry.
A survey of voters published last week indicates the Coalition could be in trouble ahead of the upcoming federal election, with primary vote support for the Coalition falling from 39 to 34 per cent from November to January. The federal election is expected to be held in May, the announcement of which is expected in March.
The primary vote results in the exclusive Resolve Political Monitor showed an increase in Labor’s core support from 32 to 35 per cent, putting Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese in a strong position ahead of the federal election.
Another poll conducted for The Australian showed Mr Morrison’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since March 2020, when he faced attacks over his handling of the bushfire crisis.
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