A Liberal MP who quit the Turnbull government’s ministry on Tuesday has slammed the Prime Minister’s direction, saying the party is “bleeding votes to the right”.

Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells is one of several ministers to have resigned from their positions on the frontbench after Peter Dutton launched a failed challenge for the Liberal leadership.

Mr Dutton was only seven votes off securing victory and has since admitted to “working the phones” to sure up support.

The Prime Minister is maintaining he has the support of his party room and cabinet, despite suggestions a second leadership challenge is just around the corner.

On her way to the backbench, Senator Fierravanti-Wells released a scathing critique of the Liberal party’s direction under Mr Turnbull’s leadership.

It is with great regret that this evening I have tendered my resignation as Minister for International Development and the Pacific. Attached is my resignation letter to the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/PmqW3tBYEc

— C Fierravanti-Wells (@Senator_CFW) August 21, 2018

Senator Fierravanti-Wells’ letter reveals she approached the Prime Minister months ago, suggesting he appoint Mr Dutton as the party’s deputy leader.

She tells Ben Fordham that suggestion was to help sure up stability within the party.

“I suggested that that would be an important move for stability in the party and help I think, neutralise some of the strident comments that were being made out there.

“We’re bleeding votes to the right, Ben. Especially in New South Wales and Queensland.

“There are a lot of people out there who are very, very concerned. Who are good Liberal voters, who want to stay with the government and vote Liberal, but they are very concerned.”

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