A Liberal MP says it’s “a matter of regret” that former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull “injected” himself into the party’s business.

The Liberal Party state executive has voted to save conservative MP Craig Kelly, who faced a tough pre-selection battle in the seat of Hughes.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for the use of emergency powers, to prevent Mr Kelly from losing the fight.

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has tried to intervene but his attempts failed.

Liberal MP Eric Abetz tells Ben Fordham, “that the former prime minister should have so injected himself into the matter is a matter of regret”.

“I thought that his lack of involvement in Wentworth was as a result of his stated retirement from public life.

“And I just trust that he will, from now on, follow his own advice.”

Ben asks Mr Abetz whether it’s fair to say it’s like Mr Turnbull is “trying to burn the house down”.

“He may be trying to do that,” says Senator Abetz.

“But can I tell you, everybody within the house is just pouring cold buckets of water on those attempts, as was shown by the NSW state executive’s decision to not follow his gratuitous advice.”

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Former Liberal MP Ross Cameron is weighing in on the saga.

He says Mr Turnbull’s recent move is “designed to drive a wedge between the state parliamentary Liberal party and the federal parliamentary party.”

Click PLAY below to hear from Ross Cameron