In a major turn of events, Liberal Party leader Scott Morrison has become the new Prime Minister of Australia after Malcolm Turnbull was forced out by party rivals.

Morrison, the current treasurer, won an internal ballot 45-40 over former Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.

Turnbull did not stand in the leadership contest. He had agreed to hold the ballot after a majority of party MPs signed a letter calling for it to take place.

Turnbull had been under pressure from poor polling, a looming election, and a revolt by conservative MPs.