‘He lacks that bit of spark': Reform UK's Nigel Farage says Peter Dutton 'not a great smiler' in wake of federal election defeat.

Sky News AU

07-05-2025

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says Peter Dutton "lacks that bit of spark" to inspire conservative-thinking voters following the former Opposition Leader's dismal federal election defeat.
Mr Farage's party has seen a surge of popularity throughout Great Britain, with Reform UK having taken control of 10 local councils, won two mayoral races and added a fifth MP to parliament following council and by-elections last week.
Conversely, the 2025 Australian federal election has delivered significant electoral losses in the Liberal Party's conservative wing, including Mr Dutton.
Speaking to Sky News host Paul Murray on Tuesday night, Mr Farage was asked about the Liberal's election results, which he said were 'very disappointing'.
'I think Peter Dutton is a very decent bloke. But, he lacks that bit of spark. He's not a great smiler,' Mr Farage said.
'I just think that to invigorate people of a conservative mindset in the modern world, you've got to have that flash, that spark of inspiration. And I'm not saying this to do Dutton down.'
The effect of United States President Donald Trump is believed by some to have played a major role in the federal election, and Mr Farage told Sky News he did not think the 'Trump thing' worked in Mr Dutton's favour.
'Putting America first has caused some issues for Australia. But I don't think it's just that. I think one can over-read the Trump effect on Australian politics,' Mr Farage said.
'I just think that the Australian small-c conservative movement just needs to find something a bit more inspiring. And as I say, I don't want to be rude, but that's how I feel about it.'
Mr Farage called his own Reform UK's success in British elections last week a 'huge result', and pointed to the party having 'prominent female members' as well as 37-year-old ex-Olympian Luke Campbell within their ranks.
'The whole look of the party has changed. Not because of positive discrimination, which I disagree with completely. That's how it's grown, that's how it's evolved. And amazingly, my popularity since last Thursday is up by five points,' Mr Farage said.
Meanwhile, the Liberal Party is looking for a new leader after Mr Dutton suffered a shock loss in his Queensland seat of Dickson.
Deputy leader Sussan Ley and shadow treasurer Angus Taylor are preparing to go head-to-head for the top job and potentially may be joined by shadow immigration minister Dan Tehan in the contest.