FED: Costello would take leadership in "friendly take-over"

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-2008
FED: Costello would take leadership in "friendly take-over"

SYDNEY, Aug 6 AAP - Peter Costello will reportedly not challenge Brendan Nelson for
the Liberal leadership but may agree to to a "friendly takeover" if the opposition leader
opted to stand aside.

Senior Liberals have told The Australian newspaper that Mr Costello would stand for
the leadership if anyone else moved to challenge Dr Nelson.

But without any move to stand aside by Dr Nelson, and in the absence of another challenge,
Liberal sources say Mr Costello would not "lift a finger" against the embattled leader.

Mr Costello returned from a south Pacific holiday last Friday and he has made no comment
on the Liberal leadership, or his possible retirement. He has been continuing to work
on completing a political biography.

"He has the right to make this decision in his own time," an unnamed coalition MP has
told The Australian.

"If he gives an indication that he wants the job, Brendan will be expected to step
aside. Brendan knows that."

Dr Nelson left Australia last night on a ten-day trip to Washington, New York and London.

"I've got a job to do and I intend to keep doing it," Dr Nelson said before leaving.

AAP dr/goc/cmc

KEYWORD: LIBERALS

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