Berowra MP Julian Leeser resigns from shadow cabinet

Former shadow attorney-general quits over Christian Porter's legal fees

Leeser says he can no longer serve in the role after learning of the government's decision to pay Porter's legal fees

Berowra MP Julian Leeser has resigned as shadow attorney-general and shadow minister for Indigenous Australians, saying he can no longer serve in the role after learning of the government's decision to pay Christian Porter's legal fees.

Leeser said he had been "deeply troubled" by the government's decision, which he believed was "unjust and unfair".

"I cannot in good conscience continue to serve in a government that is prepared to use taxpayers' money to defend the indefensible," he said.

Leeser's resignation is a blow to the Coalition, which is already facing a leadership challenge from former prime minister Tony Abbott.

The Coalition supports moves to amend the criminal code to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us.

Julian Martin Leeser born 25 May 1976 is an Australian politician He is a member of the Liberal Party and has represented the Division of Berowra.

There was a dramatic resignation of shadow attorney-general and shadow minister for Indigenous Australians Julian Leeser..

Leeser's resignation is a reminder that the Coalition is a broad church, with a wide range of views on a number of issues. It also shows that the government is under increasing pressure from within its own ranks.