Reactions To Julie Bishop's Resignation As Foreign Minister

Upset After Julie Bishop Resigns Following Liberal Leadership Spill

'Their strongest performer, most popular minister, and best fundraiser, completely disrespected...'

Getty

After the farce that saw Australia’s liberal party undergo a round of musical chairs last week, comes the news that Julie Bishop has decided to step down from her role as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Despite throwing her name in the ring for the top job – and being the people’s choice for the gig – Bishop was overlooked by her fellow party members and treasurer Scott Morrison was voted in as Australia’s 30^th Prime Minister.

Bishop shared the news on Twitter, stating “I will remain on the backbench as a strong voice for Western Australia.”

“I have been pre-selected by the Liberal Party for the seat of Curtin and I have made no decision regarding the next election”.

https://twitter.com/JulieBishopMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Tributes rolled in for Bishop following the news, with ousted Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull calling her an “Inspiring role model for women”.

“I thank Julie for her loyalty and friendship over many years but especially as my deputy,” Turnbull said. “She has been and remains an inspiring role model for women here and around the world.”

Today we have lost Australia’s finest Foreign Minister @JulieBishopMP I thank Julie for her loyalty and friendship over many years but especially as my Deputy. She has been and remains an inspiring role model for women here and around the world.
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) August 26, 2018

“Their strongest performer, most popular minister, and best fundraiser, completely disrespected by a bunch of blokes with half her intellect. Let’s see how they get on without her,’’ said Labor MP Claire O’Neil.

My statement on the retirement of @JulieBishopMP pic.twitter.com/S3dALJbNpT
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) August 26, 2018

Julie Bishop has been a highly effective Australian foreign minister. It’s a hard job. Much harder than it looks. We may not always have agreed on policy. That’s normal. But she has earned, absolutely, the respect of foreign ministers around the world. https://t.co/mwNDFZJIVa
— Office of Kevin Rudd, 26th PM of Australia (@MrKRudd) August 26, 2018

. @JulieBishopMP would have made a great Liberal Prime Miniser. I’ve always respected her ability to cut through the bull-dust, work across the political divide and get on with her job. Proof the boys-club still have a stranglehold on politics ?
— ?? Sarah Hanson-Young (@sarahinthesen8) August 26, 2018

Sorry to see Julie Bishop will not continue as foreign minister. She did a great job – strong on US alliance, success in Asia, excellent Middle East policy and admirable focus on Pacific. Always popular with counterparts. She’ll be missed
— Alexander Downer (@AlexanderDowner) August 26, 2018

Fellow Liberal MP Julia Banks described her as a “fine leader and a standout role model for girls and women.”

“She is rightfully praised as one of the best Foreign Ministers in the world,” Ms Banks said in a statement.

“I thank Julie for her support, guidance, and superb leadership. As a colleague and friend I look forward to continuing to work alongside her.”

https://twitter.com/juliabanksmp/status/1033590259391459328

Rumours are now circling that Bishop is being could be in the running to be Australia’s next Governor-General.

Jessica Bosco Senior Digital Content Editor

Jessica is marie claire and InStyle's Senior Digital Content Editor reporting on everything from celebrities to breaking news, lifestyle and all things royal (ahem, Meghan and Harry!).