Alan Tudge quits politics sparking byelection in former Liberal minister’s Victorian seat

The byelection will be an early test of the opposition leader Peter Dutton in a state where the Liberal party has under-performed

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The Liberal party will face a high-stakes byelection in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs after the Victorian shadow frontbencher Alan Tudge confirmed he will quit politics.

Tudge, who holds the marginal seat of Aston, confirmed his departure after question time on Thursday, saying his resignation would be effective from next week.