Australia news live: Tony Abbott praises Liberal party’s new top strategist as party tries to rebuild campaign machine

The Nationals party director, Lincoln Folo , has been appointed the Liberals’ new top strategist, tasked with helping to rebuild its campaign machine after two thumping federal election defeats.

Folo was late on Friday announced as the replacement for Andrew Hirst , who stepped down after three elections in the role.

In a statement announcing the appointment, the new Liberal Party president, Tony Abbott , said:

double quotation mark Lincoln brings extensive experience in political campaigning, organisational leadership and party administration. He has earned a strong reputation as a capable and effective operator, committed to the values and principles that have long underpinned our party.

Abbott thanked Hirst for this “sterling service” to the Liberal Party, which included masterminding Scott Morrison ’s surprise win in 2019.