‘Anonymous sledging’: Scott Morrison defends relationship with Gladys Berejiklian

The Prime Minister has defended his relationship with Gladys Berejiklian saying the pair had worked constructively together following the release of damaging text messages in which the former NSW premier purportedly called Scott Morrison a “horrible, horrible person”.

Mr Morrison said on Tuesday morning the pair had always had “a very positive relationship” and had worked closely together on many projects including the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has dismissed texts purportedly by Gladys Berejiklian as “anonymous sledging”.Credit:Rhett Wyman/Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Morrison told Chanel 7’s Sunrise program he had not had a chance to speak to Ms Berejiklian about the reported text exchange but “in our own dealings with each other, it’s always been very positive”.

Mr Morrison said hearing “nasty things” about himself was part of the territory of being Prime Minister, but should not be the focus.

In a round of media appearances on Tuesday morning Mr Morrison defended his relationship with Mr Berejiklian and dismissed the texts as “anonymous sledging”.

“We’ve worked very closely through the pandemic and through many other challenges to restore the New South Wales economy. I can’t speak to the messages because I don’t know anything about it,” he told ABC radio’s AM.

Network Ten political reporter Peter van Onselen claimed to have a copy of the exchange between Ms Berejiklian and the unnamed Liberal. He did not specify if they were a state or federal cabinet member but implied in his news report that it was a federal minister. Ms Berejiklian says she has no recollection of the messages.

After the alleged exchange was revealed, Ms Berejiklian said she did not remember the messages.

“I understand there has been some commentary today concerning myself and the PM. I have no recollection of such messages,” she said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

“Let me reiterate my very strong support for Prime Minister Morrison and all he is doing for our nation during these very challenging times. I also strongly believe he is the best person to lead our nation for years to come.”

Most Viewed in Politics

Source: Read Full Article

Previous post Chernobyl fears soar as radioactive zone could be used for Russia’s invasion into Ukraine
Next post Victoria Beckham has eaten the same meal every day for 25 years claims David