JOE Hockey has been confirmed as the new shadow treasurer following Liberal deputy leader Julie Bishop’s resignation from the portfolio today. Announcing the reshuffle of the shadow ministry, Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull said Ms Bishop would take on foreign affairs from Senator Helen Coonan who would take over the finance portfolio. Ms Bishop blamed the constact speculation surrounding her performance in the role as the reason behind her resignation. Disquiet about Ms Bishop’s failure to cut through on economic issues boiled over last week as some Opposition MPs campaigned for her removal. Ms Bishop said the constant commentary about her had made it impossible to carry on in ther role, but insisted she had been “competent”.
Asked if she had been forced out of the job, Ms Bishop said: “This is a decision that I made, it’s my judgment … I am very excited about foreign affairs. It is an important role.”
