Malcolm Turnbull has stared down detractors within his Party this morning after a vote on the calling of a spill was rejected 48-35. Three Parliamentary Secretaries have resigned, senior Opposition Ministers and party heavyweights have openly objected to both Malcolm Turnbull's style and approach and his stance on the CPRS.
Although this win on the spill motion will be great comfort to Malcolm Turnbull, it will do little if there continues to be open revolt within the Party. This revolt could result in enough Liberal Senators choosing not to go with the party line and follow their own path on a vote tomorrow. The Liberal Senators could still choose to vote against the CPRS. If this occurs they will have signed Malcolm Turnbull's political death certificate and reduced the Coalition to many many years in Opposition.
I think regardless of a vote tomorrow the Coalition is currently locked a deathroll that will not end prior to the next election whether that be early or late 2010. My bet is on late 2010.
UPDATE
Malcolm Turnbull has begun the ground work to strengthen his position by demanding Senators follow the party line. He understands that every Senator that votes against the CPRS (and effectively him), weakens his position and adds to his political pain. This will not be a good week for the leader. Many will vote against him but the real test will be how many.
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