Abbott to face leadership vote after party revolt

Sydney

EMBATTLED Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott will face a vote on his leadership at a party-room meeting next week after disgruntled lawmakers called a challenge on Friday following weeks of divisive speculation.

A member of Mr Abbott's ruling conservative Liberal Party, Western Australian MP Luke Simpkins, sent an email to colleagues to announce that he will move the vote at a scheduled party meet in Canberra on Tuesday.

Mr Abbott has faced a torrent of criticism in recent weeks over policy decisions ranging from his handling of the economy to awarding a…