The Prime Minister has responded to the news former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian has turned down his offer to run for the federal seat of Warringah.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison admitted to Jim Wilson he is disappointed his fellow Liberal and “good friend” won’t join him in Canberra, but “I totally respect her decision”.

He honoured Ms Berejikilian as a trailblazer for women in politics and in the Liberal Party especially.

“I’m really working hard to get as many wonderful female members into the parliament.

“I’ve got more female members in my cabinet than any other prime minister in Australia’s history.”

Ahead of the 2022 federal election, Mr Morrison dismissed the threat posed by independents in Liberal seats.

“Apparently they’re independents, but they’re only running against Liberals.

“They’re backed by some big money at the end of the day … [that] doesn’t sound very independent to me.

“When people hear ‘voices of’, you hear voices of Labor and the Greens.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview with the Prime Minister