Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has claimed “no one” in his caucus has been thinking about replacing him, dismissing speculation about who will succeed him as leader.
Speaking to Sky News Sunday Agenda, Mr Albanese refused to nominate a preferred heir apparent when asked who he thought might replace him in the future.
“I am very happy to do the job that I have and one of the good things about our government is there isn’t any speculation. We’re a united team,” Mr Albanese said.
It comes after rumours swirled that Mr Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers had a “frosty” relationship in the wake of Labor’s federal budget.
Asked whether people were naturally wondering who would come next, Mr Albanese said: “No, no one.”
Pressed further on whether he had any ideas about a successor, he said: “No one in our caucus is worried about that.
“The one thing you can be certain of is who the government is and what our values are,” he said, despite breaking multiple promises after the 2022 federal election.
The comments come amid speculation over who could eventually take over from Mr Albanese as Labor Party leader.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke have emerged as frontrunners, as well as Health Minister Mark Butler.
Other names leading the betting odds, include Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek and Education Minister Jason Clare.
In April, Mr Butler himself declined to rule out one day replacing the Prime Minister when questioned on Sky News Sunday Agenda.
“I’ve supported Anthony, probably more closely and more consistently than anyone else in the caucus,” Mr Butler said at the time.
However, pressed on whether he had any ambitions to succeed Mr Albanese, Mr Butler did not rule it out.
“It’s just not something we’re thinking about. I mean, Anthony, I think, said last week, he’s enjoying the job,” Mr Butler said.
“It’s a hard job, but I think right across government, we want him to stay in it for the long term.”
Speculation intensified following political backlash to the government’s budget and reports of tensions between Mr Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Mr Chalmers rejected suggestions the relationship had become strained, describing reports of a “frosty” relationship as “just rubbish”.
“You shouldn’t believe that sort of trash that you read in some parts of the media. I talk to the Prime Minister almost every day since the budget,” he said.
Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson fuelled the speculation, predicting both Mr Albanese and Mr Chalmers would “fall” before the next election.
“The person who’s going to win out of that is going to be Prime Minister Mark Butler,” Mr Wilson said on Seven’s Sunrise.
Mr Butler dismissed that suggestion as “total rubbish” and defended the relationship between the Prime Minister and Treasurer.