Malcolm Turnbull defeats Tony Abbott in Liberal leadership spill to become prime minister

Malcolm Turnbull will become Australia's 29th prime minister after beating Tony Abbott in a dramatic leadership ballot in Canberra on Monday night.

---

Declaring himself "humbled," by the victory, Mr Turnbull said he would serve out the Coalition's remaining year in office before calling an election, promised a new economic vision and thanked Mr Abbott for his service. "The burden of leadership is a very heavy one," Mr Turnbull said, and praised the free trade agreements and success in stopping the boats as "very formidable" achievements of Mr Abbott's government. Read more:

---