The Road to Ruin

Prominent political commentator, author, and columnist for The Australian, Niki Savva takes a penetrating look at the relationship between Tony Abbott and Peta Credlin. In The Road to Ruin, she argues that Tony Abbott took more offence at criticism of Credlin than of himself, and that he took her word above that of his colleagues. And that this led to his ruin.

On the night of 15 July 2014, The Australian marked its 50th birthday with a star-studded celebration in Sydney. Tony Abbott was talking to the paper's editor at large, Paul Kelly. As I approached, the prime minister called out a cheery hello. Instantly, protective radar went up. The last time I saw him he could barely speak to me so I was on my guard.

In the middle of our handshake, he said, 'Now, Niki, can you please stop criticising my chief of staff.'

'Why?' I asked.

'Because,' he said, 'Sometimes when ministers tell you things, they are not true.'

'You know what, Tony? Sometimes they are.'