Under cross-examination, in which she repeatedly attempted to move the interview on to more comfortable terrain, Mrs Bishop indicated she had had the support of some Liberals to ride out the "choppergate" scandal without quitting. Bronwyn Bishop's career was ended by an expenses scandal. Credit:James Brickwood "I was prepared to stand my ground and face the Parliament and there were many others in the party who were prepared to do so too. That didn't happen," she said. "Indeed I think you knew [Andrew]. In fact, I know you knew the morning I resigned before I knew I was going to resign." Mrs Bishop last week confirmed that Mr Abbott had asked her to resign, and that she had only decided to resign once he asked.

At 6.33am on Sunday, August 2 - hours before her resignation was announced - Bolt blogged: "Bronwyn Bishop will resign very soon. This cannot go on." Former PM Tony Abbott requested the review into Mrs Bishop's expenses. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen At 5.55pm, he updated: "Two weeks too late, but at least it is done. This should force Tony Abbott to reassess his media advice or his willingness to accept it." Bolt had called on Mrs Bishop to resign as early as July 17, just over a fortnight before Mr Abbott accepted that she had to go to stem the month-long scandal over her use of $5000 in taxpayer money to charter a helicopter from Melbourne to Geelong in November to attend a Liberal Party fundraiser. Andrew Bolt did not respond to the allegation he knew of her resignation early. Credit:Joe Armao

On July 30, Bolt blogged that 'choppergate' had become a leadership issue because Mr Turnbull and deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop were publicly attacking Mrs Bishop while Mr Abbott remained loyal. "Suddenly a problem for the government is a problem for Abbott personally, again raising the question: is he too loyal to make tough calls?" he wrote. I think you knew [Andrew]. In fact, I know you knew the morning I resigned before I knew I was going to resign. Bronwyn Bishop In April Mrs Bishop lost preselection for the safe Sydney seat she has held from more than two decades. On Tuesday, Bolt did not respond to the allegation he knew of the resignation early but called on Mrs Bishop again to explain her "betrayal" of Mr Abbott.

Bolt: Bronwyn that's not good enough. Why did you turn against him? Bishop: I'm afraid that's it, Andrew. Now let's get on with it Bolt: This is the 'it', Bronwyn, you weren't hired on Sky News to cover up. Fairfax Media has sought comment from Mr Abbott. Follow us on Twitter