Alan Tudge’s resignation triggers byelection in seat with razor-thin margin

Former Coalition minister Alan Tudge has announced he’ll quit Parliament, triggering a byelection in a Victorian seat the Liberal Party holds by just 2.8%. 

The opposition education spokesman and Aston MP, who has held a number of ministerial portfolios in the past, told Parliament on Thursday his resignation would be effective next week.

“I informed the prime minister and speaker of my decision earlier today, and the leader of the opposition has known of my likely intention since early January, when my decision was cemented following the passing of my father,” Tudge said.

“It’s not been an easy decision for me but it is necessary for my health and for my family, among other reasons. I certainly have not taken this decision lightly.”

There were immediate rumours ex-treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who lost the nearby seat of Kooyong at the last election, could stand in the byelection in Aston. But Frydenberg has reportedly ruled out a tilt. 

Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told the ABC that candidate selection would be a “matter for party divisions and branches” but added she would like to see a woman preselected. 

Tudge said during his resignation speech his political career had taken a heavy toll on his family.

The 51-year-old said his teenage daughters had “known nothing other than their dad being away” and said his family had received death threats as recently as last week. 

He went on to thank Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and other Liberals, before asking colleagues for a glass of water and taking a moment to collect himself as he appeared to fight back tears.

His resignation follows an appearance before the robodebt royal commission last week, where Tudge denied responsibility for the illegal scheme, despite serving as the minister for human services while it was ongoing. 

Tudge was also confronted over his decisions during his time in that portfolio, including releasing the private information of welfare recipients to newspapers and running a media campaign to discredit critics.

Another royal commission witness and Tudge’s ex-media advisor, Rachelle Miller, whom he was previously in a relationship with, tweeted support for her former boss.

“Politics is brutal. I saw its impact on people, and I live with that impact still,” Miller wrote.

“I tried to support Alan through the most stressful of times. I hope he seeks the help he needs for his health, and more time with his family. I wish him peace.”