Turnbull denies leaking

May 19, 2008, 7:49pm,  129 views

The Federal Coalition is showing signs of dysfunction as Shadow Treasurer Malcolm Turnbull today denied leaking an email criticising the proposed five cents a litre cut in fuel excise.

Turnbull, who missed out on the Liberal leadership to Brendan Nelson by three votes, has not denied sending the email warning his leader that cutting petrol tax was bad policy.

But the Opposition treasury spokesman denied leaking the email.

Senior Liberal frontbencher Nick Minchin denied any rift in the Coalition, saying the excise cut decision was made by the wider leadership group.

But why is Turnbull making mischief? The Liberal leadership is a poison chalice and Nelson is just starting to make headway.

There’s nothing to be gained by undermining Nelson or changing leaders at this stage.