Liberal Alan Tudge expected to quit politics, speculation of a Josh Frydenberg comeback
Frydenberg #Frydenberg
Former cabinet minister Alan Tudge is expected to announce his resignation from federal parliament as early as today.
The former education minister was elected to parliament in 2010 as the member for the Melbourne seat of Aston.
Last week, Mr Tudge faced questions about his role as human services minister in 2017 and what he knew about the Robodebt scheme.
Mr Tudge was also accused by his former staff member, Rachelle Miller, that he physically and emotionally abused her while in a consensual relationship.
He has always denied the allegations.
His expected resignation will force a by-election, with speculation that former treasurer Josh Frydenberg will seek Liberal Party endorsement for the seat.
Mr Tudge is yet to speak publicly about his political future.
He remained on the Coalition frontbench after last year’s election, retaining the education portfolio.
His eastern Melbourne electorate was once a safe Liberal seat but turned marginal last year.
In 2019, the two-party preferred margin was 10.1 per cent, falling to 2.8 per cent in 2022.
Mr Frydenberg’s previously represented the nearby, but not neighbouring, electorate of Kooyong, before losing to teal independent Monique Ryan.