World
Australia gets a new PM
Malcolm Turnbull has been sworn in as Australia's new prime minister, after Tony Abbott was ousted by his party in a leadership challenge.BBC
Malcolm Turnbull has been sworn in as Australia's new prime minister, after Tony Abbott was ousted by his party in a leadership challenge.
Abbott on Tuesday said his removal was "tough" but pledged to "make this change as easy as I can".
In the dramatic late night party leadership ballot, Abbott, who had been plagued by poor opinion polls, received 44 votes to Turnbull's 54. Turnbull, communications minister under Mr Abbott, is Australia's fourth prime minister since 2013. "I'm filled with optimism and we will be setting out in the weeks ahead and the months ahead more of those foundations that will ensure our prosperity in the years ahead," he told journalists.
The new leader will be Australia's fourth prime minister since 2013.
They also voted for Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to remain deputy leader of the party.
Speaking after the result was announced, Turnbull praised his predecessor for his "formidable achievements" as prime minister. The new party leader said Australia needed to have "the economic vision, a leadership, that explains the great challenges and opportunities we face".
Who is Malcolm Turnbull?
- Served as Minister for Communications under Mr Abbott, before resigning to launch a leadership challenge
- Many in his party dislike his support for climate change action and gay marriage
- Led the Liberal Party in opposition from 2008-2009 - but lost a leadership challenge to Mr Abbott by one vote
- Previously worked as a successful lawyer and businessman - defending former British spy Peter Wright in the "Spycatcher" case in the 1980s