Plots and Prayers: Malcolm Turnbull’s demise and Scott Morrison’s ascension

by Niki Savva

In an enthralling sequel to her bestselling The Road to Ruin, Niki Savva reveals the inside story of a bungled coup that overthrew the Liberal prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, and installed a surprise successor, Scott Morrison, who went on to take the party to a miraculous electoral victory.

On 21 August 2018, 35 Liberal MPs cast their vote against Malcolm Turnbull, effectively signalling the end of his leadership. Three days later, the deed was done, and Scott Morrison was anointed prime minister.

Tony Abbott’s relentless campaign of destabilisation, helped along by his acolytes in the parliament and by his powerful media mates, the betrayals of colleagues, and the rise of the religious right — climaxing in Peter Dutton's challenge — all played a part in Turnbull’s downfall.

But so did Turnbull’s own poor political judgement. He was a good prime minister and a terrible politician. The good bits of Malcolm were not enough to make up for the bad Malcolm.

Nevertheless, the sheer brutality of his removal left many Liberals aghast. MPs were traumatised or humiliated by eight days of madness. Men and women cried from sheer anguish. They went through hell, and feared when it was over that they would not make it back — and nor would the Liberal Party. As it turned out, redemption came with Morrison’s unexpected single-handed 2019 election victory.

Turnbull’s road ended in ruins, as it was always bound to and as he always knew it would, as he predicted to Niki Savva less than three years before it happened.

But when his end was imminent, he could not bear to let go. And when it was over, he was defiant, fragile — and, yes — vengeful.

This is the inside story of what happened — and what happened next.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Australia, History

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2019

About the author

Niki Savva is an Australian journalist, known for her political 'insider' books. Born in Cyprus before emigrating with her family as a child, she became a cadet journalist in 1969, while still in her teens. Savva served as political correspondent for The Australian, she led the Canberra bureau of The Herald Sun and then The Age. In 1997 she moved into politics, working for a decade for Liberal Party Treasurer Peter Costello and Prime Minister John Howard.
Since 2008, Savva has returned to journalism as a columnist for print and television media, presenting insider knowledge of Australia's conservative politics but from a centrist, sometimes progressive, point-of-view. From 2016 to 2025, Savva wrote a series of four insider books on three consecutive Prime Ministers - Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison - and their would-be successor, Peter Dutton.

Reviews

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A typical Agatha Christie opens in a seeming idyll of loving family and friends. By the time Poirot summons everyone to the drawing room, you know they all hate each other and would gladly see the back of each other... silverware protruding.

Welcome to page 1. How these people ever stood together and smiled is extraordinary.

Shifting metaphors to Midsomer Murders, the carnage is of statistical proportions. Mattias Cormann came out of "the madness" with his image on the other side of a cheese grater. Some complained of being bullied. Frankly, it seems having a passive role in these events was getting off lightly. Few escaped without emotional trauma, many from the decisions they had to make.

By the end of this book, I had a higher opinion of (most) politicians, but a harder view of politics.

They say journalism is the first draft of history. A book like this is the second draft. Incredible access to the individuals involved. Detailed descriptions of the events - conversations in closed rooms - that shaped a change of government.

[Fiona Gunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most terrifying espionage book that I’ve ever read.

[Calzean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in lieu of chasing the deposed PM's new book. The author has a conservative leaning but she pulls out a balanced description of the end of PM Turnbull, the wannabe PM Dutton and the eventual new PM Morrison. A sad indictment that neither of the challengers offered any new political platform they just went for the top job (Dutton) or jumped with the opportunity (Morrison).
The book has plenty of perspectives, lots of repetition and a flow that seemed to me to need a good edit. Nonetheless it is a sad indictment of those who are in power or want to be.

[Scribe Publications]

The result is a forensically researched and brutally revealing chronicle of the days and weeks before and after the August coup — one told with the precision of an investigative journalist but in the elegant narrative style that always makes Savva a great read.
Paul Williams, Australian Book Review

How good is this book! So much intrigue. So many revelations. Such a brilliant read.
Laurie Oaks

A forensic and gripping account of Turnbull’s departure and Scott Morrison’s arrival ... Savva has written an account that moves at the velocity of an express train without brakes.
Stephen Loosely, Weekend Australian

Explosive.
Daily Mail

Plots and Prayers provides a detailed and fascinating look at one of the craziest weeks in Australian politics. It’s part documentary, part thriller. You’ll not want to put it down, but also throw it across the room because of frustrations with the central characters ... this book is a must read.
Tobi Lotus, Chronicle

Canberra insider Niki Savva’s new book burrows deep inside the ousting of former PM Malcolm Turnbull ... accurate and an important historical record.
Ellen Whinnett, The Observer

Niki Savva’s Plots and Prayers is heroin for political junkies. It is a fast-paced, funny and detailed chronicle of the events that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the rise of Scott Morrison as Australia’s latest prime minister.
Neos Kosmos

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Abbott’s destructive path helped demolish Turnbull’s prime ministership.

On 21 August 2018, thirty-five Liberal MPs cast their vote against Malcolm Turnbull. That was the effective end of his leadership. Three days later, Scott Morrison was prime minister.

What happened?

There were a few factors. But I think that the most significant single factor was Tony Abbott. Abbott was a rallying point for several disaffected conservatives and right-wing media voices. It certainly seemed that there were a significant group of conservatives who would rather see Labor in power than have Malcolm Turnbull as prime minister. How Alan Jones and Andrew Bolt railed against him, seemingly wanting a return of Abbott. And then there was the Barnaby Joyce circus, leading to the ridiculous ‘bonking ban’. There were plenty of other distractions.

Malcolm Turnbull himself demonstrated some pretty poor political judgement at times. I think he could have survived but for the relentless campaigning against him.

I read this book wondering what light Nikki Savva might be able to shed on some of the machinations, on some of the deals done, promises made and broken. I finished the book even more depressed about Australian politics.

Is this book worth reading? I think so. It’s history now, that Scott Morrison has won an election in his own right, but ‘how’ and ‘why’ are always important.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Scribe Publications]

The result is a forensically researched and brutally revealing chronicle of the days and weeks before and after the August coup — one told with the precision of an investigative journalist but in the elegant narrative style that always makes Savva a great read.
Paul Williams, Australian Book Review

How good is this book! So much intrigue. So many revelations. Such a brilliant read.
Laurie Oaks

A forensic and gripping account of Turnbull’s departure and Scott Morrison’s arrival ... Savva has written an account that moves at the velocity of an express train without brakes.
Stephen Loosely, Weekend Australian

Explosive.
Daily Mail

Plots and Prayers provides a detailed and fascinating look at one of the craziest weeks in Australian politics. It’s part documentary, part thriller. You’ll not want to put it down, but also throw it across the room because of frustrations with the central characters ... this book is a must read.
Tobi Lotus, Chronicle

Canberra insider Niki Savva’s new book burrows deep inside the ousting of former PM Malcolm Turnbull ... accurate and an important historical record.
Ellen Whinnett, The Observer

Niki Savva’s Plots and Prayers is heroin for political junkies. It is a fast-paced, funny and detailed chronicle of the events that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the rise of Scott Morrison as Australia’s latest prime minister.
Neos Kosmos

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not nearly as interesting as I thought it might be. There were parts that were a bit more engaging but for the most part - honestly, for me, some ninety percent - it was utterly boring. Savva's sour, Christian-wary attitude towards Morrison and his religiosity was too on the nose, especially when compared to her much more humane take on Turnbull, with whom she includes a selfie and the tagline, "he might not have been the best prime minister Australia has had, but he was the happiest".

At least my wife enjoyed it, given the fact I bought it and chose to read it with her, more for her sake than mine.

[MBC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ill advised to read Niki Savva’s ‘trilogy’ in quick succession. It has fatigued me.

Having said that… again… the electorate should remember that THE LIBERAL PARTY DID NOT WANT PETER DUTTON AS ITS LEADER AND IMPLODED TO DO SO… IT PREFERRED SCOTT… AND CHRIST WAS THAT A MISTAKE.

Look, boohoo Turnbull. And in the next breath, sad times for Bishop (although she didn’t stand up for Gillard as a fellow woman so I don’t really feel that sorry for her). Turnbull did not deserve to be crucified by Tony Abbott.

The rest, is history. And a deplorable one at that.

[Carty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As fascinating as The Road To Ruin but without the same flaws in storytelling and editing. A wonderful insight into all the players.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are lots of words and facts about many many Liberal MPs' experience of the week Turnbull leapt off a cliff, Dutton lurched into the dark, and Scomo did a Bradbury to come through the middle and win. Too many MPs give their view of the week. Even Nats MPs get a say, even though they didn't have a vote!

I felt I was reading 20 well-sourced columns about the exact same event, from sliiiiightly different perspectives. Did you know Savva has lots of inside sources? Lots! Nevertheless some interesting personal insights on the week from key players.

Also despite the title, there is surprisingly little information about Scomo's faith. Like, almost nothing. That would have been an interesting area to detail. When mentioned, Savva refrains from the instinct some on the left have to ridicule it or see it as something sinister (like Shorten or his staffer who thought it important to tell her they think they possibly saw Scomo saying a prayer in the green room before the final election debate... scandalous!)

[Delcene Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally find politics as interesting as watching golf however this book was quite fascinating.

Fortunately for me the author had the capacity to write in a manner that actually made politics interesting and easy for me to comprehend ( the book could be called political skulduggery for dummies).

The backstabbing, narcissism, betrayals and lust for power reminded me of my previous job.

It read like a vicious schoolyard brawl.

Turnbull destroyed himself and showed himself as a spiteful narcissist. Abbott was a petulant name caller pent on dragging people around him down so he could become the boss again while Morrison stood back watching them destroy themselves.

And these people called themselves our leaders 😮.

[Susan Wishart · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well researched investigation of the overthrow of Malcolm Turnbull and the subsequent re-election of the Liberal/National coalition. If you can wade through page after page of depressing revelations of the behaviour of our politicians without giving up in disgust then this may be for you.

[storytime-reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is evident very early on in this narrative – which tells the story of what happened during the coup against Malcolm Turnbull – that the journalist holds a lot of biases. Her close relationships with many Liberal party members are clear, as is her contempt for others, as well as her obvious disdain for Labor. These biases must be kept in mind throughout one’s reading, as they inevitably shape the views and opinions she supports and highlights. She is also not merely an unbiased observer, occasionally also inserting herself into the narrative.

Be that as it may, Plots and Prayers is quite clearly a useful source when piecing together what occurred during those days of mayhem. In fact, her close relationships with many of the main players enabled her to gain access that others wouldn’t, and obtain interviews that help to explain the significance of various events and choices.

What I wanted when I borrowed this book from the library was a behind the scenes look at the coup – one that would help to explain what had occurred, who was involved and why. And that’s exactly what I got. Plots and Prayers deftly sifts through the information gathered from multiple sources, including what was known at the time, as well as the thoughts and opinions in the immediate aftermath from politicians who were involved.

It thereby presents a clearer picture of how these events came to be and how they were orchestrated – and by whom. Of course, several of those involved have varying views as to what actually occurred and the sequence of events, but their differing views are significant in an attempt to help explain it all. Yet their words cannot be taken completely at face value, for they all have motives for the ways in which they present themselves, namely retaining their reputations.

However, a combination of views allows for a better understanding of events, even if one cannot completely construct a single linear narrative from their differing stories. Either way, Plots and Prayers made for interesting reading, and I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at the coup, as well as how the politicians viewed their own choices and those of others.

[Joano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, all of us in Australia watched the madness that happened in the removal of Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull in August 2018. This book is a detailed account of what happened, as stated by the people involved during that event.

There is nothing too surprising although I felt the book was trying to paint a better light of all the plotters involved. Throughout the book, the most heart felt and honest opinions would probably be from the MPs that have retired as a result of this event. There was very little published from those that are currently serving in the ministry. Other events such as the bullying of female MPs were skinned and spoke about briefly. It would’ve been good if there were more “inside knowledge” not already discussed in the media.

I enjoyed the narrative of this book. At times it was a bit repetitive as most of the “players” had the same thoughts as to why they wanted to dump Turnbull. This should be treated like a sequel to “The Road to Ruin” as many of these characters were key players in that book. Unlike that book, there is not background story for each character.

In a way, the book is trying absolve the players from wrong doing (I don’t agree). Had the Labor party got their act together, I’m sure They would not have returned to government. Having said that, if things don’t go well, who knows, we might get another PM in two years.

[Ernest · Rating 3 out of 5]

It feels odd to consider this book during COVID-19, in which Morrison’s role has gained in prominence as Prime Minister (as have many other national and state leaders). Whatever what one things of the decisions made, it does not change what (purportedly - although there does not seem to be major disagreement about the key moments) occurred to get Australia to this point.

Savva charts the machinations and movements that led to Turnbull’s fall and the elevation of Morrison as Prime Minister of Australia. Like her previous book The Road to Ruin: How Tony Abbott and Peta Credlin Destroyed Their Own Government, this work is based on her work as a political commentator who has not only many connections within politics but has herself worked inside that sphere.

In charting the various actions of support, opposition, thinking, and plotting, some people (many still in the political, public sphere or both) emerge with reputations enhanced, others badly damaged, but my overwhelming feeling is of people whose individual parts played, for whatever motivation (personal ambition or dislike of others, ideological position, clinical political calculation or more), led to a snowball effect that was greater than the sum of its parts.

Fast moving without being too hectic to follow, it almost read like a forensic analysis of a car crash that one witnessed happening (remembering that the events are within recent living memory, including the 2019 Australian federal election) – something that looked so disastrous to so many from the outside but that felt impossible to take your eyes off.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just loved this detailed, independent and no holds barred exploration of the coup against Malcolm Turnbull and the rise of Scott Morrison, with detailed background interviews with participants and close observers alike. In case we weren't aware, Niki Savva shows many of the coup's supporters to be liars of the first order and others to have their honesty seriously in doubt. There are so many irreconcilable descriptions of events and only one of them is factual, but Savva's forensic reporting enables us to weigh up these inconsistent accounts and sort out the most likely trajectory of events. Absolutely worthwhile as a piece of political history, well done.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A forensic examination of the 2018 Liberal leadership coup which also raises questions about the extent to which Scott Morrison and his followers were involved in the overthrow of Malcolm Turnbull. The book suffers from the amount of detail and multiple retellings of the same incidents from a wide range of people. It has its points of interest but is not as compelling as Savva's previous book on Tony Abbotts' political demise. Savva's bias to Liberal politics also hampers a more objective interrogation and holding to account for standards of behaviour.

[Scribe Publications]

The result is a forensically researched and brutally revealing chronicle of the days and weeks before and after the August coup — one told with the precision of an investigative journalist but in the elegant narrative style that always makes Savva a great read.
Paul Williams, Australian Book Review

How good is this book! So much intrigue. So many revelations. Such a brilliant read.
Laurie Oaks

A forensic and gripping account of Turnbull’s departure and Scott Morrison’s arrival ... Savva has written an account that moves at the velocity of an express train without brakes.
Stephen Loosely, Weekend Australian

Explosive.
Daily Mail

Plots and Prayers provides a detailed and fascinating look at one of the craziest weeks in Australian politics. It’s part documentary, part thriller. You’ll not want to put it down, but also throw it across the room because of frustrations with the central characters ... this book is a must read.
Tobi Lotus, Chronicle

Canberra insider Niki Savva’s new book burrows deep inside the ousting of former PM Malcolm Turnbull ... accurate and an important historical record.
Ellen Whinnett, The Observer

Niki Savva’s Plots and Prayers is heroin for political junkies. It is a fast-paced, funny and detailed chronicle of the events that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the rise of Scott Morrison as Australia’s latest prime minister.
Neos Kosmos

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is inessential reading. While her previous book, The Road to Ruin, about Tony Abbott's downfall contained new information, this book is more a compilation of known events of the 2018 Liberal take-down of former Prime Minister Turnbull and the lead-up to the 2019 election.

The few things I did learn were utterly depressing if not surprising. Morrison, it seems, despite being Trump-lite, is relatively liberal in the Liberal ranks, leaving most of his party on his right. And this despite the fact that, according to one ex-staffer, the one thing he ever seemed passionate about was his opposition to same-sex marriage.

I can't fault Savva too much. While the book's a bit meh, it would be hard to write anything too invigorating about this sad, unenlightened government.

[Julianne Quaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing story behind Malcolm Turnbull’s loss of the Prime Ministership and how Scott Morrison became PM - all the backstabbing bullying threats and coercion between the various factions. A fascinating read. Could do with a timeline, list of characters and an index to improve the readers ability to follow the narrative and make their own interpretation of who lied and who didn’t as it presents a series of chapters from different politician’s perspectives and they are quite contradictory.

[Lucia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I struggled to get through this book because it was so poorly written. It jumped around with no logical chronological order in such a way that made it really hard to follow and was littered with inconsequential information that was of no relevance to the narrative (like a politician taking a 5 minute break from a tense conversation to go to the toilet - who cares?). There is some good content and insight (although the author finds ways to unnecessarily weave herself into the narrative) but it needs some serious editing.

[Graham Monkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed Niki Savva’s ‘The Road To Ruin’, you must treat yourself to her meticulously researched and highly entertaining sequel -‘Politics and Prayers’. It’s a very detailed account of political developments after Malcolm Turnbull successfully challenged Tony Abbott for the Liberal party leadership and became Prime Minister himself in 2015. It was yet another chapter in a turbulent period which had seen the downfall of three Australian Prime Ministers, both Labour and Liberal, in seven years - Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, and Tony Abbott. Unbelievably, in 2018 the knives came out again, this time for Malcolm Turnbull.

A major justification for the coup was the Liberal’s poor performance in opinion polls – a significant weapon which Malcolm Turnbull used to depose Tony Abbott in 2015. Opinion polls are of questionable validity, highlighted by the UK election of 1970 when all the opinion polls predicted a massive victory for Labour. In the event, there was a huge swing to the Conservatives, and the new Prime Minister, Edward Heath, observed that ‘there is only one poll that matters and that is the one on election day’.

In Australia in 2018, following the execution of Turnbull, all of the opinion polls predicted that Labour’s Bill Shorten would win hands down. The tenacity and excellent campaigning of Scott Morrison confounded them all and a miraculous Liberal victory ensued. Many still feel that if Turnbull had not been shafted by his own party he too could have won the election.
Peter Dutton made a chaotic bid for the leadership, clearly creating voter anxiety that Australia’s Prime Ministerial revolving door was still in motion and likely to spell doom for the Liberal Party’s credibility and election prospects.

Nikki Savva’s interviews reveal a number of different answers when she endeavours to establish why the Liberal Party axed Turnbull. However, it is clear that Tony Abbott’s determination for revenge, and his subsequent wrecking tactics were both key factors.

Federal politics comes across as a hot bed of conflict, personality clashes, pettiness, ruthlessness, intolerance, bigotry, vengeance and a pathological desire to settle old scores. It makes one feel that politicians are more obsessed with shouting at each other than with conducting the vital business of the nation.

Some ‘hated Abbott’, others ‘hated Turnbull’. Former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop turned down an offer to join Scott Morrison’s new administration because she ‘couldn’t bear to be in the same room as Peter Dutton and Mathias Cormann’. Cormann could have helped Turnbull survive, but he stabbed his leader in the back at the eleventh hour. Dutton’s challenge for the leadership was a shambles and created more chaos and confusion as people moved to make sure it was unsuccessful to leave the way clear for Morrison. It was all great cloak and dagger stuff.

It’s a very complicated story, so it’s naturally a long read. Niki Savva has to be congratulated for her ability to get through it in such painstaking detail. And there are some interesting asides apart from the Liberal leadership.

Niki reveals that in Canberra everybody is always interested in ‘who is on with whom.’ The Barnaby Joyce scandal is well documented and it’s quite bizarre that he hoped to survive after his affair with Vicky Campion was exposed - at one stage even denying that he was the father of her baby. He certainly paid the price for jumping into bed with his PR ‘adviser’. Never a good idea!

The Canberra gang seem to spend a lot of time wining and dining. Niki Savva mentions the top Canberra restaurants and their well known patrons, including the exclusive Commonwealth Club, Ottoman, Chiang Rai, Saffron Middle East Restaurant, Portias at Kingston and Bellucis in Manuka. After Malcolm Turnbull called it a day in 2018, he arrived at a friend’s house for dinner, bringing his hosts a very expensive bottle of French champagne ‘Ruinart Blanc De Blanc’. As Niki says,
'politics is a cruel business’!

The politicians all call each other ‘mate’, a bit of a misnomer in the light of their endless fighting and feuding. There is also prolific use of the ‘f’ word. In his final press conference as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull denounced both Dutton and Abbott as ‘wreckers’. He was understandably very bitter about losing the job he had coveted for so long – maybe he forgot he had done exactly the same thing to Tony Abbott. Those who live by the sword die by the sword!

As for Scott Morrison, he deserves the highest praise for his determination and single minded dedication to victory. He called his election win ‘a miracle’. I believe it was also helped immeasurably when, as the newly elected Prime Minister, he told the Australian people:

'We’re on your side'.

He had that sensitive understanding of the electorate’s emotional needs that many politicians lack – especially ex lawyers!

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think this book is simultaneously better but more chaotic than the first. i liked how a lot of the chapters were divided to focus on individual actors during the coup and focusing on what they did during the week. often times, though, others were randomly thrown in and it was hard to keep track. although we go over the same week over and over again, it would still be hard for me to verbalise what exactly happened the week malcolm turnbull got ousted. and i think a part of that is also because the mps involved had no real idea what was happening. the book did a real good job of evoking the chaos that descended over parliament during this week. it was something i remembered seeing on tv when it was happening, too. i will say, though, that there were times where lines used in one section of the book were literally repeated verbatim later in the book and it was overly repetitive at points, so i would’ve liked a tighter edit, but i’m assuming that a few of these things went through due to the need to publish this as soon as possible.

i decided to read through the whole series before getting to bulldozed, because to understand how the hell scott morrison got to serve a full term as prime minister requires context as to what was happening before he became pm—and that was turnbull, and before him (and during), it was abbott. it feels just as senseless as it did back when it was happening. i wonder if anyone knew they were setting their party up to be completely split and fractured and up for an even worse election result than they could’ve imagined. one of the more entertaining (? not the correct word but i’m going with it) parts of reading this is seeing who savva suggests could be next liberal leader material, only to know what happened to them in between this book and the next. you see this with savva’s assessment of scott morrison too: she’s critical, but you can tell she’s hopeful this will be the end of the discord that’s plagued the liberal party for years. but i read the first chapter of bulldozed, and her disgust is clear as day (and i don’t blame her, all of us felt the same way). it’ll be interesting to see what else she thinks re other of these people she’s praised or sledged as future leaders.

taking the time here to say fuck tony abbott! because while turnbull played a role in his own downfall, tony abbott and his people really did a huge amount of damage. it’s kind of crazy to think about how different history would’ve gone if he’d shut his mouth or quit parliament when he’d been ousted.

[Sammy]

What an exhausting period in politics this was. Savva's trilogy of books about the three Liberal Prime Ministers have been required reading in Canberra. Savva's longtime connection to the Liberal Party, and her lifetime of experience in political journalism, means that her writing is full of revealing, and not always flattering, insights into a generation of conservative politicians. The destruction of Turnbull was uglier than that of Abbott or Gillard, albeit perhaps not as ugly as the destruction of Rudd. Famously, in the last fifty years, only one Prime Minister has retired. Several lost at elections (Whitlam, Fraser, Keating, Howard, and Morrison), while the rest were brought down. And even Bob Hawke, the one retiree, did so because he saw the writing on the wall. Luckily it appears we're past that particularly ugly era, although that doesn't mean our politicians are any less ambitious!

Australia has a long tradition of great post-election books by journos. Like all of them, this book requires some level of existing knowledge. Savva is writing for people who were there, and - as with the predecessor The Road to Ruin - it's not always easy if you're not familiar with the personalities and situations involved. Given that the meat of this book all took place within 2-3 weeks, Savva chooses not to write chronologically, but instead each chapter approaches the leadership battle from a different angle, be that a particular political issue or the experiences of one person or clique. This is perhaps a wise choice logistically. But it leads to some repetition, probably some further confusion for people who don't have the dates itemised in their memory, and at times puts the cart before the horse. (On multiple occasions we're told how much people dislike Greg Hunt, but we're not given the reasoning until the Hunt chapter later in the book.) I recommend Savva's first book, So Greek, which covers her time working in politics in the pre-social media era, when everything felt a bit more stable. That's a useful primer for what it's really like in politics.

Nevertheless this is a fantastic litany of well-sourced gossip. Even here, before the Morrison and Dutton eras, Savva acutely points out several of those gentlemen's key flaws that would bring them down. As always in politics, the information is there if only the affected would choose to read it. While this is very inside-the-bubble, discussing a leadership battle among people who are largely no longer in politics, it's insightful, especially in reminding us that whenever an issue appears, or a politician speaks, we need to analyse not just the text and the subtext, but the sub-subtext, i.e. what it means for that particular person and their ideology at that particular moment.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

With an interest in Australian politics, I’m a sucker for a good tell-all/warts and all analysis of the political leadership turmoil that has engulfed Australian politics over the past ten years. A few years ago I read Niki Savva’s 2017 book The Road to Ruin which was a compelling, insider view of the combustion of the Abbott government. Savva’s sources were extensive and surprisingly open which made for a juicy, gossipy read.

Plots and Prayers (2019) is her account of the overthrowing of Malcolm Turnbull and the rise of Scott Morrison. The style is similar to The Road to Ruin with a conversational tone which often makes it feel like you are simply having a chat with Savva who is filling you in on all the ins and outs of this particular political narrative. The narrative arc basically follows the events leading up to the leadership coup, a detailed account of what Savva labels “the days of madness” of the inner workings of the leadership change, and the aftermath, finishing with Scott Morrison’s election win in May of this year.

Savva interviews extensively for the book, and as a result she writes with great authority. Everyone she spoke to went on the record and some are brutal in their commentary. She pieces these interviews together effectively to create a total day by day, almost hour by hour sequence of events and perspectives on those events. These interviews sometimes feel repetitive, but they also offer a unique understanding of how politicians work, communicate and plot with and against one another during times of leadership uncertainty. I discovered a lot during the book about how leadership challenges actually work and what it means when they ‘do the numbers’. Savva’s interviews and commentary also offer some interesting thoughts about various electorates and how politicians work within them. For example, I understood more than I ever have the importance of Queensland and how it can make or break governments and elections. There is much about the way the Liberal and National parties (and the others do the same I’m sure) select their candidates and what factors they need to consider in relation to the concept of “electability”. Despite always knowing there is a great deal of self interest that drives the decisions many politicians make, this book depressingly completely confirms this cynical idea.

Savva also reveals a great deal of perspective on the major political players in this saga. Peter Dutton, for example, seems to be more liked in the Liberal party than I thought, with many discussing the way the personal Dutton is different to the political front he has calculated and created. I found this utterly astounding and unbelievable, but went some way to explaining why he thought he could be a leadership contender to begin with. Savva (and many others she interviews) are scathing in their assessment of the role Matthias Cormann played in the events of Turnbull’s removal, including his poor political judgement and his disloyalty. Savva asserts that he had the capacity to tell his colleagues to pull their heads in when it counted and he miscalculated this spectacularly. And don’t even get me started on Barnaby Joyce. Before reading this I already had a very low opinion of him, but Savva reiterates what a hypocritical, reprehensible, morally bankrupt fool he really is. Julie Bishop is the only MP that really comes off with even a shred of dignity. She is professional, loyal and courteous in her dealings with others, which is more than can be said for many of her colleagues. Despite being the best fundraiser, highly experienced and one of the most popular members of the party, Bishop is treated appallingly by her colleagues, seemingly dismissed without thought by those who would never put a woman in charge, and a moderate woman at that. Tony Abbott is portrayed as the unthinking buffoon that he is, with Savva seemingly tired of his vengeful shenanigans, stating simply, “He sacrificed respect for the sake of revenge.” (p.335)

Ultimately though, Savva gives detailed analysis of the myriad reasons why Turnbull was ousted – personal animosities within the Liberal party; Turnbull’s perceived left leaning politics; his aloofness; his commitment to ensuring same sex marriage legislation was passed; his inability to make a decision; his arrogance; his striving for environmental policy; his refusal to take on advice; his wealth and successful career as a lawyer prior to politics; his ‘Labor-liteness’; and, most importantly, revenge. Savva’s personal position is that while on paper Turnbull should have made a fantastic Prime Minister, he was shackled by a vicious right faction and he was terrible at politics. Up to the leadership challenge itself he failed to take on good political advice to ensure his survival, which only worked to upset more people, especially those who were on his side. It is clear that Savva, along with many of the people she interviewed, are disappointed with Turnbull’s time as PM, and the ridiculous way he was dismissed.

Like with The Road to Ruin, I found I wanted more polishing of the book’s conclusion. Savva finishes by giving an account of Morrison’s rise to the top job. Despite the illusion that he fell into the leadership by accident, through her sources Savva makes clear that this is not the case, and that his people had been working on his numbers for some time. When opportunity came knocking, Morrison jumped at the chance. Unlike Turnbull, Morrison is portrayed as much better at the game of politics. The fact that he came out of the leadership stoush on top and without blood on his hands is testament to this. She also gives a detailed reflection and analysis of the ensuing federal election, outlining the huge mistakes made by Labor in their campaign, the unpopularity of Shorten, and the way Morrison single handed was able to cut through with voters, despite muting everyone else in his party and going to an election with no clear policy platform. Although she concludes with some interesting food for thought about how long Morrison himself may last in the job when she writes:

“Regardless of the party-room rule changes that have made it difficult to remove sitting prime ministers, and despite his unexpected victory, the political parlour games will never stop. They are a fact of life for any leader in whatever party…Governments do not have the luxury of marking time. Nor can they get away with leaving vacuums, or with thinking that perpetual campaigning can substitute for governing, or keep pointing at what the opposition is doing wrong and profiting from it.” (p.366)
Savva implies that Morrison’s inertia when it comes to creating policy will grate within his party and with the public at large. She also highlights Morrison’s Pentecostalism and just how much this makes many of his colleagues nervous.

Despite the fine detail, I wanted more from Savva about what the revolving leadership change and the nation’s response to it says about the nature of democracy and the political system in Australia. Savva concludes by summing up that with Morrison or Turnbull, the fact is that the Libs were probably destined to win the election regardless, and that the change of leadership was madness. Essentially, the real loser is the nation itself, because while ever you have governments that are too preoccupied with personal ambition to work in the national interest, and an electorate who refuses to punish them for it, nothing will ever change.

[Peter Geyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niki Savva is an interesting journalist who when she appears in public (the ABCs Insiders) always has something interesting to say, sometimes trenchantly. Here she demonstrates her ability to write in a similar fashion; in fact some of her brief comments throughout this book make you stop and think. There are character evaluations of all kinds that made me rethink some people, and also had some unfavourable views confirmed. It can't be good when your colleagues dislike you intensely, although I suppose there's always a lot of that about.

Savva is enmeshed with what might be called right-wing politics (she self-describes as a "conservative leftie") and the book demonstrates her many sources and connections, as well as those who refused to discuss the topic of her book, which is the ousting of Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in August 2018 and the ascension of Scott Morrison to that position. The book finishes at the May 2019 election, won by Morrison, more or less.

Although I have always been interested in politics, I'm not much for reading books like this as they can be just raking over the coals. But I was drawn to this one because of Scott Morrison's recent religious statements about his personal beliefs and how he acts as Prime Minister, like an Old Testament patriarch, perhaps, or one of the Judges, with a side influence of an interpretation of early Christianity.

Savva's book was recommended in an article I was reading about this issue, and so here we are. The recommendation is accurate and it's important to say that Savva is informative and not given to diatribe.

So if you want some background to the current situation or curious about Australian politics either as a citizen or at a distance, then this is worth a read. The author writes with clarity on what might at various points be like a soap opera. Unfortunately, if you're of the view that politicians care about more than winning the next election, it will be a deeply disappointing read, what might in other areas of enquiry be a learning experience.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Niki Savva is a terrific writer and, in her field, one of the great chroniclers of our political times. Indeed, probably too good in many ways as, if there is to be a fault in this book, it’s that she’s covered it from too many angles. While Plots and Prayers provides a blow-by-blow description of the events from August 2018 (i.e. the overthrow the Turnbull) the recurring theme is that politics is a brutal game. I don’t think that’s lost on anyone, but the sheer bastardry is breathtaking! While a few get off Scott free (yes, pun intended), you are left with the impression that a good many deserve to have karma take a huge bite out of their backsides. As Darren Chester (who really is the one who should be leading the Nats) is quoted: “A lot of my colleagues failed the test of character … our collective behavior that week played directly into the public cynicism about politics in Australia and whether you can trust any politician whatsoever”. Incredibly, Scott Morrison emerges relatively unscathed – both by the book and (obviously) the court of public opinion – while the much demonized and largely unlikeable Peter Dutton is given a ‘fair hearing’. Others to come away with reputations intact include Christian Porter, Warren Entsch and David Littleproud, Julie Bishop and Christopher Pyne, while Craig Laundy is clearly someone you’d hop into the trench with. Never been a huge fan of Mitch Fifield, but think he’ll be caught on the wrong side of history more by accident than design. The rogue’s gallery is extensive though: Craig Kelly, Tenna McQueen, Kroger (got his just desserts thank god), Ciobo and Cash appear to be genuinely ordinary human beings, while Irons, Sukkar and two-timing McGrath will, with any luck, depart the public sphere soon enough. As for James Patterson, if he’s the future, I’m handing in my crystal ball, while Mathias Cormann really has to bank on the Australian public being much more forgiving than he deserves.

[MargCal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ☆
Finished reading ... Plots and Prayers: Malcolm Turnbull's demise and Scott Morrison's ascension / Niki Savva … 24 July 2023
ISBN: 9781925849189 … 392 pp.

Such a depressing read. The state of politics in Australia is appalling. That it is only a shadow of politics in the US and UK is no cause for celebration. 

It has been fascinating and instructive to read this book as Australia is heading to a referendum on enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Constitution.

The author shows that Turnbull was deposed by continual, vengeful undermining by his predecessor (whom Turnbull had himself deposed) and his supporters, by the poor polling Turnbull was getting, and by Turnbull's own lack of political (ie fighting) nous. Peter Dutton led the charge but a significant number thought he would be death to the Liberal Party. Scott Morrison and his cronies played both sides and Morrison became PM.

What is ironic is that Morrison won the next election by much the same margin as was predicted for Turnbull when he was ousted. And another election cycle later with Morrison then losing, the Liberals are now at the decimated place they feared if Dutton, now Leader of the Opposition, had become PM three years earlier. 

In that whole scenario, there were lots of lies told, a lot of deception in word and deed. What is sad, depressing, appalling, shameful, and worse, is that same behaviour is now being used by the Liberals (and Nationals), with an added sizable dose of racism, in attempting to ensure the failure of the Voice referendum. As the author showed, the voting public is massively taken in by lies .... which reflects poorly on the country as a whole.

The style of the book .... This is not as easy to read as Savva's previous book The Road to Ruin. The greater part of the book circles around the week of madness that ended Turnbull's political career, presenting it consecutively from the point of view of most of the significant players, so there is a bit of repetition. For that reason, this volume could really benefit from an index. But that is a minor quibble.

Highly recommended.

Borrowed from my local library.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

After hearing Niki Savva being interviewed about this book, I couldn't wait to read it. The coup that surrounded the demise of Malcolm Turnbull as Australia's Prime Minister had all the hallmarks of a political thriller or a Shakespearean tragedy. Et tu Brute? However I have never come across a dramatis personae that consisted of such boring, self-serving acolytes as those people in the Liberal Government. If colourless people can be invisible (or vice versa) then the politicians who plotted to bring down Turnbull fit the bill. One thing that could never be said about Turnbull is that he was boring or colourless. I almost felt a perverse sense of pleasure as they tore themselves apart until I reminded myself that they were doing it at the expense of the Australian taxpayer and the public purse. Who was running the country while they engaged in cloak and dagger machinations? The two best things to come out of the coup were that Peter Dutton didn't get the top job and Michaelia Cash resigned from cabinet.

Although this book is well-researched it labours under the weight of who-did-what-to-whom. I couldn't wait to finish it so I could remove these loathsome people from my bedside and my life. At the end of the book I could barely remember any of them. No doubt they will hang around for the minimum term so that they can receive a handsome parliamentary pension and perks while they take up lobbying positions based on their former portfolios.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me ANGRY. The entitlement and the egos of the main players made it clear that at no point were they interested in Australia and their constituents- it was all about their goddamn ambition and this is why we the Australian public are lacking credible and insightful governance. It took me months to read it as I would have to keep putting it down completely incensed. None of this was new to me as an ABC viewing, Insiders loving, guardian reading greeny lefty voter which the Australian government lovingly refers to as "terrorists". But seeing it all laid out with Niki Savvas stellar access to these people just made me continually angry. Side note... i wasnt entirely a fan of the format and for a while there i did think that was why I found the book hard to read and at times repetitive (it was)... but then I had my aha moment and realised no.... it is simply that I cannot stand the main actors in this Shakespearean Tragedy and somehow they came off worse with maybe the exception of Christopher Pyne and I hate myself for saying that. Is this review concise? No. Good? Not at all. Does it convey my absolute annoyance at the Liberal Governments continued attempts to blow up the country due to their egos? Look. I hope so. Also, Fork Scummo and his faux branded blokey personality.