How good is the Midwinter Ball!

The book on whether Prime Minister Scott Morrison would utter those words had been well and truly opened as political and business heavies began arriving in Parliament House’s Marble Foyer tonight.

Telstra boss Andy Penn was the first to arrive, followed closely by former Liberal Party director Brian Loughnane and his wife, Sky News commentator Peta Credlin.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and wife Jenny don garlands as they arrive at the Midwinter Ball. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Liberal MP Katie Allen — the former Melbourne Girls Grammar chair who replaced Kelly O’Dwyer in the seat of Higgins — drifted by, looking for Rupert Murdoch lieutenant Siobhan McKenna.