Tony Abbott has told his local constituents he's still got a "fire in the belly" and he won't hesitate to use his status as a former prime minister to "get attention" in the media and Liberal party room.
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Mr Abbott last week appeared to put his leadership ambitions on the backburner, declaring he had accepted that his colleagues had made their decision and he didn't expect they would ever change their minds.
But in a recent interview with a local magazine in his Sydney electorate, Mr Abbott made it clear he won't be disappearing from view.
"It definitely helps an electorate to have someone well known – and as a former prime minister, I am definitely well known," he told Peninsula Living. "I can say things in the party room and in the media and generally get attention."
Mr Abbott – described in the article as a "phoenix rising from the ashes" – says he has unfinished business in Warringah, the seat he has held for 22 years.
Claiming he still has a "fire in the belly" for politics, Mr Abbott says he's focused on delivering a better economy, growth and environment.
The interview – published three weeks ago but not widely noticed – took place shortly after author and journalist Niki Savva detailed claims that Mr Abbott had been having an affair with his powerful chief of staff, Peta Credlin.
Mr Abbott refused to talk about the claims, switching to local member mode by focusing on issues such as traffic, ferries and the long-gestating plan for a privately-run Northern Beaches Hospital.
"I've been pushing this for the past 20 years and I'm looking forward to working with Mike Baird on more infrastructure projects," he said.
"My presence can ensure this becomes a reality. It's a big problem and it must be addressed as quickly as possible. It's going to happen and it will be unstoppable. I need to make sure things don't slip."
Mr Abbott also offers some free advice to Mr Baird on council amalgamations, saying it's "vexed issue" that needs to be "handled with care".
Labor's candidate for the seat, Andrew Woodward, said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull would be thrilled with Mr Abbott's comments.
"This is a clear sign that Mr Abbott is focussed on spoiling and will continue undermining Malcolm Turnbull by pushing his ridiculed and rejected agenda and attitude, while neglecting his electorate," Mr Woodward said.