Malcolm Turnbull dumps NEG in bid to stop leadership challenge: Report

Malcolm Turnbull has reportedly dumped the government’s plan to legislate the 26 per cent Paris emissions-reduction target, in a bid to save a rebellion from inside his own party, The Australian reports.

According to the publication, senior government sources confirmed that Turnbull had come to the conclusion that threats to his leadership were real. It comes after several news outlets on Friday reported Peter Dutton is being urged to challenge Turnbull’s leadership.

According to the reports, up to 10 MPs are threatening to cross the floor and several frontbenchers are considering resigning after Turnbull got his signature energy plan through the Coalition party room on Tuesday.

However, Turnbull has now reportedly agreed to dump plans to legislate the Paris emission reduction target of 26 per cent, in a bid to stave off a potential leadership spill and stop disgruntled members of his own party from crossing the floor.

Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce last night suggested Turnbull should reconsider his ability to lead the Coalition to ­victory before the next federal ­election, The Australian reports. 

“I’ve always said openly that if a person gets to a point where they think they can’t win an election then they should consult with their colleagues about what happens next,” Joyce told ABC radio.

Read more: Conservative MPs call on Peter Dutton to replace Malcolm Turnbull: Report

It comes after 2GB radio host Ray Hadley said there will “100 per cent” be a move against the PM in the next two weeks. According to 2GB, Nationals MP Keith Pitt is reportedly prepared to resign from the frontbench over the issue, while Senator Jim Molan will vote for the policy but says it is “sub-optimal”.

However, the Home Affairs Minister has continued to deny he would challenge for the leadership. Speaking with Hadley on Thursday, Dutton refused to publicly criticise the prime minister: “I work as a team player, I’m not going to be a part of the cabinet and then bag the Prime Minister out.”

Read more: Read more: Malcolm Turnbull’s popularity dives in latest Newspoll

What do you think? Who would you prefer as prime minister of Australia?