Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has formally announced he won’t be retiring. The news was met with sadness across Parliament and the nation.

In a statement today, Mr Dutton said it was time to stay on. “I’ve come to the realisation that it’s time for renewal in the Liberal Party. Nevertheless, I will be staying,” he said, to the disappointment of so many Australians whose lives he has touched.

Residents of Dutton’s electorate in Dickson said it was a sad day for Australian politics. “Peter Dutton has been a member of parliament for 18 years. It is with great sadness that we learn today that he may be adding to those years”.

Mr Dutton fell short at a leadership ballot last year. He still has hopes of becoming leader, once every other member of the Liberal Party has resigned. Although experts say, even then, he may still misjudge the numbers.

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