Abbott replaced as PM: Submarine and car industry jobs led to SA Liberal revolt

Fears in Liberal ranks that key seats in South Australia could fall at the next federal poll likely led about half a dozen SA Liberals to back Malcolm Turnbull in the vote that saw him replace Tony Abbott as prime minister.

The level of dissatisfaction among the state's voters over the future submarine construction contract ultimately seemed to have helped sink Mr Abbott's political fortunes.

Education Minister Christopher Pyne is tipped to be the next defence minister — a strategy no doubt aimed at fixing the submarines mess.

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