Malcolm Turnbull sworn in as new Australian prime minister

Malcolm Turnbull has been sworn in as Australia’s new prime minister, after Tony Abbott was ousted by his party in a leadership challenge. Mr Turnbull, who was communications minister under Mr Abbott, is the fourth prime minister since 2013.

After taking the oath of office, Mr Turnbull attended his first Question Time in parliament as prime minister.

Mr Abbott on Tuesday said his removal was “tough” but promised not to undermine the new government.

In his first public comments since his removal by the Liberal party late on Monday, Mr Abbott said it had been “a tough day, but when you join the game, you accept the rules”.

He said he was proud of what his government had achieved, while also taking swipes at party members who had leaked to the media and carried out “a sour, bitter character assassination”.

He did not say if he would remain on the backbench or eventually resign from politics.

Confidence and leadership

Mr Abbott’s removal followed weeks of tumbling polls ratings and speculation about a challenge to his leadership.

In a move led by Mr Turnbull and his deputy and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Mr Abbott was voted out by the Liberal party by 54 votes to 44.

BBC

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