Robertannounced his intention to leave federal parliament earlier this month,fuelling speculation that his close political ally Scott Morrison will also soon bow out of politics.
Some Liberals were anticipating Morrison would retire from his south Sydney seat of Cook as soon as the coming sitting fortnight.
But a source close to the former prime minister,speaking on the condition of anonymity,dismissed this prospect,saying his departure was “not imminent” and would possibly come at the end of the year.
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“He is enjoying being the local member for Cook,” the source said,adding there was no chance of a double byelection Saturday for Fadden and Cook in the coming weeks.
It emerged earlier this month that the former prime minister was in the frame for a job that would see him work for a company in the UK defence sector,with some Liberals of the view he won’t quit politics until he has another job lined up.
“He’s not a Malcolm Turnbull. He doesn’t have that level of wealth. He’s still got a young family and wants to provide for them,” said one NSW Liberal,who spoke on background in order to speak freely.