Australia is set to swear in Malcolm Turnbull as its new prime minister, after Tony Abbott was ousted by his party in a leadership challenge.
Turnbull will go to Government House in Canberra on Tuesday to be sworn in by the governor-general.
Abbott on Tuesday said his removal was “tough” but pledged to “make this change as easy as I can”.
As he prepared to take office, Turnbull said it was “the most exciting time to be an Australian”.
“I’m filled with optimism and we will be setting out in the weeks ahead and the months ahead more of those foundations that will ensure our prosperity in the years ahead,” he told journalists.
Turnbull, who served as minister for communications under Abbott, will be Australia’s fourth prime minister since 2013, reports the BBC.
He is expected to preside over a meeting of Liberal MPs on Tuesday morning and then hold a meeting of the joint Liberal-National coalition parties.
Abbott finally spoke publicly on Tuesday morning, saying his government was not perfect but listing his achievements.
He did not say if he would remain on the backbench or eventually resign from politics.
“It is a tough day but when you join the game you accept the rules,” he told journalists, while also taking swipes at party members who had leaked to the media and carried out anonymous character assassinations.
Turnbull is not expected to announce a new cabinet line-up until the end of the week.
But there was speculation even before the ballot that Joe Hockey might lose the Treasury portfolio.
Political pundits have suggested Social Services Minister Scott Morrison might become the new treasurer.
