Julie Bishop has confirmed that she is resigning and not run at the next election.
“I have had the opportunity to closely consider the future of the coalition government, and the pending general election. I have closely observed Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Liberal national team in the Parliament,” she says.
“It is evident that the policy platform that we will take to the next election is crystallising based on the very firm foundations of our unrelenting focus on prudent management of our national finances, so that we can afford the services that Australians need. In returning the budget to surplus.

“It is thus my view that the Liberal National Coalition will win the next election.
“And on that basis, I have reconsidered my position as the Member for Curtin. I have been contacted by a number of talented, indeed extraordinary, people, including women, who have indicated to me that should I not reconsidered the seat of Curtin, they would seek preselection from the Curtin division of the Liberal Party for that seat.”
“It is time for a new member to take my place.”
Bishop has been on the backbench since the leadership spill last year.
She has held the Perth electorate of Curtin since 1998 and was Australia’s first female foreign minister.
“It’s a very challenging time for the Liberal party,” she told WHO last year.
“Leadership changes are not easy and they take a toll, personally and professionally. I have seen many of these moments in my 20 years in politics. It began with the change from Kevin Rudd to Julia Gillard, and once it had happened a precedent was set and it’s now occurred on a number of occasions. It leads to instability and lack of confidence in the political process.”
Read our FULL interview with Julie Bishop here