Former federal opposition leader Peter Dutton says he won’t be making a comeback to politics because he is “too old for that”.<\/p>\n
Mr Dutton, who led the Coalition to defeat at this year’s federal election, and also lost his seat of Dickson, was given a standing ovation at the LNP convention in Brisbane on Friday.<\/p>\n
He sat at the back of the room among hundreds of fellow party members and listened on as Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley addressed the crowd.<\/p>\n
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Peter Dutton speaks with Sussan Ley after her speech. (ABC News: Jack McKay)<\/p>\n
Following her speech, Mr Dutton told media that Ms Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud were doing a “great job”.<\/p>\n
“I think you saw in Sussan’s speech today a commitment to the principles which are important to families,” he said.<\/p>\n
He said he was humbled by the standing ovation from the LNP faithful.<\/p>\n
“I’m very grateful. I’ve got some wonderful friends in the room,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I’ve dedicated almost a quarter of a century to this party and love our state and our country, and I will always do everything I can to see the best days ahead of us.”<\/p>\n
Asked if he would ever make a return to politics, Mr Dutton said: “No, mate, I’m too old for that.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sussan Ley addresses the party faithful. (AAP: Fraser Barton)<\/p>\n
No-one ‘more special’ than Peter Dutton<\/p>\n
Ms Ley began her address to the convention by paying tribute to Mr Dutton \u2014 saying she was proud to have served as his deputy for three years.<\/p>\n
“The membership [of the party] is always very special to me. Today, no-one is more special than our previous leader, Peter Dutton,” she said.<\/p>\n
“From the frontlines as a Queensland police officer to the heights of national leadership, your record is one of courage, commitment, and conviction.<\/p>\n
“You’ve been a great friend, a source of strength, wisdom, and advice over many years.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Ms Ley told the crowd that she thought often about Mr Dutton as she walked the corridors of Parliament House in Canberra.<\/p>\n
“What would Peter say? What we would he do? What examples can I draw from from his leadership of our team?” she said.<\/p>\n
Loading…Queensland key to Coalition<\/p>\n
In the May federal poll, the Coalition lost five seats in Queensland<\/a>, including Mr Dutton’s seat of Dickson, north of Brisbane.<\/p>\n