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Sex scandals minister Alan Tudge quits politics, reveals DEATH THREATS against his teenage daughters as his departure sparks rumors of a Josh Frydenberg return
- Sex scandals minister Alan Tudge resigns as MP
- The shadow minister, 51, said he “wants to be a better father”
- He has been plagued by scandals, including an affair with his former press secretary.
Sex scandals minister Alan Tudge will step down as MP saying he wants to be a “better father” and revealing his teenage daughters have been the targets of death threats.
The 51-year-old former cabinet minister will step down as a federal member of Aston’s Melbourne headquarters, triggering a by-election and paving the way for a possible return of former treasurer Josh Frydenberg to politics.
“It has not been an easy decision for me, but it is necessary for my health and that of my family, among other reasons. I certainly have not taken this decision lightly,’ he told Parliament on Thursday.
‘My daughters, who are 18 and 16 years old, only their father is away.
“They had to put up with things that no teenager should have to put up with, including death threats, the most recent of which was last week.
Alan Tudge (pictured) is set to announce his resignation from politics on Thursday, triggering a by-election.
“My son is a bit younger, but I still want to be a good father to him,” he added.
“While this profession can be unforgiving at times, serving as a Member of Parliament has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
Tudge’s career has been plagued by scandals in recent years, the most infamous being his affair with his former press secretary, Rachelle Miller, who also accused him of abuse.
He has also faced questions in the current royal commission over the controversial debt robbery scheme.
The Centrelink scheme used an automated system to illegally issue false debts to hundreds of thousands of welfare recipients.
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg (pictured) is reportedly considering whether to make an offer for the Aston seat
The liberal politician held various positions during his political career under the Morrison and Turnbull administrations, including education, human services, and citizenship and multicultural affairs.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the couple had “political differences” but thanked her for her service.
“I thank you for the sacrifices that are made to serve in this house, and I, on behalf of the government, say that I respect the decision you have made, and I respect the way you have made it.”
The vacancy could mean Josh Frydenberg will make a surprising return to politics.
Political pundits believe the former treasurer will make an offer for the job, although some initial reports have also suggested he will not appear at Aston.
Frydenberg lost the Kooyong seat, an electorate that had been held by the Liberal Party since federation, in last year’s federal election to independent MP Monique Ryan.