Dutton targets Turnbull’s political judgement in brutal slamming: Report

Peter Dutton has targeted former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull in a brutal slamming of his political movements and time in parliament.

Speaking exclusively to The Sunday Mail, the Home Affairs Minister blamed the ousted leader for the Liberal Party’s downfall, claiming Turnbull “doesn’t have a political bone in his body”.

Dutton didn’t hold back with his criticism of his former colleague, labelling the 64-year-old indecisive and attacking his communication skills.

“Malcolm is charming and affable but he doesn’t have a political bone in his body and it’s not a criticism, but without political judgement you can’t survive in politics and he didn’t,” he told the publication.

“He didn’t have John Howard’s touch or judgement nor his ability to convey a message. We went from three-word slogans under Tony (Abbott) to 3,000 under Malcolm and our achievements weren’t effectively communicated as a result.”

Dutton went on to say that the party was “paralysed” under Turnbull’s control and that although he worked his way to the top position he had no plan on what to do once he was prime minister.

The 48-year-old claimed Turnbull failed at making decisions for the party which only led to the leadership spill earlier this year.

Read more: Peter Dutton says ‘down to earth’ Scott Morrison has saved the government

His comments follow those made shortly after Turnbull was ousted in the fiery spill that saw Scott Morrison take over position of prime minister.

Back in September Dutton revealed that he thought the Liberal National Party would have suffered a “significant defeat” were Turnbull still sitting in The Lodge at the next election, saying Morrison  put the government firmly “back in the race”.

Appearing on Channel Nine’s the Today show, Dutton said: “I believe very strongly we were well on our way to a significant defeat at the election. I honestly believe that.

“I think the government is doing well. I think we are back in the race. We are back in the game.”

Dutton, who challenged Turnbull for the top job himself and was ultimately beaten by the former treasurer, reckoned it’s the prime minister’s likability that stands him in such good stead with the Australian public as “people can relate to him” as a husband and father of two young daughters.

“I think it is obvious the government has done very well under Scott Morrison,” he added.

“I think he has a very good story to tell. I think people can relate to him. I think he is down to earth. He is talking about issues that are relevant to families.”

What are your thoughts on Peter Dutton’s comments? Do you agree with him?