The Abbott leadership kerfuffle has got everyone so jittery and excited that a single tweet this morning sent journalists’ keyboards flying, and TV networks calling in their helicopters to hover over Malcolm Turnbull’s house.
Channel 9’s Ben Fordham claimed that it was a “fact” that a secret meeting between top Libspill contenders Turnbull and Julie Bishop was set to take place at the communications minister’s swanky Sydney pad today. Eyes gleamed and sweaty hands rubbed together as the question lingered in the air: Could Tony Abbott’s two strongest potential replacements be plotting a power sharing alliance?
Interesting fact – @JulieBishopMP and @TurnbullMalcolm have arranged to meet at his Sydney home today. #auspol
— BenFordham (@BenFordham) February 5, 2015
But unfortunately, all good rumours must come to an end. Turnbull was in fact on his way to NSW Central Coast for an NBN event, and happily provided live snaps on Twitter to prove his whereabouts.
@BenFordham you need to improve yr surveillance! I am on the train to Tuggerah. PoliticsinPub Nth Wyong 2nite pic.twitter.com/vc0VKybUAz — Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) February 5, 2015
And now for some Hawkesbury River pix from the train! very scenic if not rapid. pic.twitter.com/ItDSm2Kr2q
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) February 5, 2015
Bishop was also quick to deny the claims and tweet her alibi.
@BenFordham @TurnbullMalcolm Wrong information!! In Canberra this morning flew to Sydney filmed by @channel9 now with @FionaScottMP — Julie Bishop (@JulieBishopMP) February 5, 2015
But Fordham was unrelenting…
@JulieBishopMP okay.. and just to clear it up once and for all.. You did NOT meet with Malcolm at his home this morning ?
— BenFordham (@BenFordham) February 5, 2015
To which Bishop replied:
@BenFordham I did not meet @TurnbullMalcolm at his home – I even told you @Qantas flight I was on! So what’s the point you’re (not) making? — Julie Bishop (@JulieBishopMP) February 5, 2015
For good measure, Turnbull took a snap of himself arriving at his destination.
Arrived at our destination! @BenFordham looking forward to discussing broadband with Karen Mcnamara MP pic.twitter.com/COBieaQoZK — Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) February 5, 2015
But Fordham was still not convinced.
@TurnbullMalcolm At the risk of coming across as obsessed, can I kindly ask you confirm you did not meet Julie today? *ducks rotten fruit*
— BenFordham (@BenFordham) February 5, 2015
Now Turnbull started to get a bit annoyed…
@BenFordham, you have to let this go. No I have not met @JulieBishopMP today and won’t unless she comes to the Dam Hotel North Wyong tonight — Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) February 5, 2015
So Bishop added some emojis to lighten the mood.
@TurnbullMalcolm @BenFordham Sorry Malcolm – as well as not meeting you today I am not meeting you tonight!!Great day with @FionaScottMP
And we’re left saying: “Let it go, Fordo, let it go.”
@BenFordham @TurnbullMalcolm pic.twitter.com/5eHOHxmjVp
— David Packer (@mrdavidpacker) February 5, 2015
