Peter Dutton responds to suggestion he’s ‘a bit toxic’ in Victoria

Peter Dutton denies his Victorian Liberal counterparts view him as “a bit toxic”.

An anonymous Liberal insider last year told The Age Mr Dutton was seen as “toxic” in Victoria and that other party operatives agreed.

The federal opposition leader says he’s “not quite sure that’s the case”.

Press PLAY below to hear Mr Dutton’s response to the suggestion he’s considered “toxic” by some Victorian Liberals

Neil Mitchell: “Even your own Liberal people say ‘Peter Dutton is a bit toxic’, what do you do to overcome that?”

Peter Dutton:“I think a lot of hype goes around politics and the reality is when you meet people for most people they say ‘Geez, you’re nothing like we thought you were’. I think people will see more of me and they can make their own judgements instead of listening to social media and people forming their judgments based on something Anthony Albanese or Mark Dreyfus says about me.”

Neil Mitchell: “Except your own mates are saying in the Liberal Party here. I mean, in the previous election they just about blamed you for losing over accusing Victoria of having African gangs.”

Peter Dutton: “I’m not sure that’s quite the case … I don’t think we (the federal Liberals) featured in that result, not in the slightest bit.”

Mr Dutton also rejected suggestions he’s “warming the seat for Josh Frydenberg”.

“I’m not a seat warmer for anyone,” he said.

FULL INTERVIEW: Peter Dutton on Voice, Kanye West and being called ‘toxic’