Howard rejects leadership speculation

By Rich Bowden Sep 11, 2007, 6:55 GMT

Australian Prime Minister John Howard (L) and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at a joint press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, 11 September 2007. Harper is on the final day of his Australian visit after attending the APEC Summit in Sydney. EPA/ANDREW SHEARGOLD

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has rejected speculation over a challenge to his leadership after two key ministers in the Howard government allegedly withdrew their support for the embattled Australian leader.

Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer and Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull, regarded as important players in the leadership crisis currently engulfing the Liberal party, were reported by Sky News Australia Tuesday as saying they no longer believe Howard as the best option to lead the party into the federal election due later this year.

However both ministers have denied they have asked Howard to step aside.

Howard himself was adamant he would lead his party into the election saying in Canberra today at a function for Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, “That matter [the leadership], was resolved last year,” he said.

“It is not in the party's interests to revisit it. That is my position, my very strong position. I believe the next election will be difficult for the Coalition but we can win it.”

The renewed speculation over whether Howard will seek a fifth term has been brought about by disastrous opinion polls for the Liberal/National ruling coalition which show Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd's Labor party increasing its lead over the government to a massive 18 percentage points.

With a crucial party meeting due to held in Canberra tomorrow, the question of a high-level challenge to Howard's reign may be brought to a head. However while some senior Liberals believe a challenge is possible, others are saying Howard still retains the authority to continue to lead the party.

Defence Minister Brendan Nelson told Sky News, “I certainly don't envisage any circumstances under which the Prime Minister will not lead our Government to the forthcoming election.”