Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, has denied any involvement in moves being discussed to replace Anthony Albanese as prime minister.

Speaking to reporters outside an inner-Sydney hairdressing salon after having her hair coloured red, (main picture) Ms Plibersek said her support for Mr Albanese had not changed since reporters last quizzed her on the topic a week ago.

“I have not changed my position since you asked me the same question seven days ago immediately after the recent cabinet reshuffle,” she said, referring to a news conference held outside an inner-Sydney cosmetic surgery clinic where she emerged with her nose slightly more prominent and pointy.

Speculation about Mr Albanese’s leadership increased yesterday after he drew criticism from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders for backing away from a commitment to a Makarrata Commission to oversee a national process for treaty and truth-telling despite his pre-election promise to implement the Uluru Statement “in full”.

“He already helped fuck up the Voice to Parliament referendum, so it’s probably not surprising he also ditched another plank of the Uluru Statement,” one source within the Labor Party said.

“In last week’s cabinet reshuffle Albo ditched the job of assistant minister for the republic and actually blamed Bill Shorten because the job was Bill’s idea when he was leader.

“Then there’s the reports of  the government going soft on plans to ban the avalanche of online gambling adverts that assault everyone of any age seemingly every minute of every day via every form of media.

“His pussyfooting on the genocide in Gaza has also put many in the left offside.

“It’s now an open secret that elements in the federal caucus are unhappy with Albo and his efforts yesterday will not do him any good.

“Obviously a natural successor would be Tanya Plibersek who at present – because of Albo’s decision not to elevate her in the cabinet – is vastly underused in her current portfolio,” the Labor source said.

But another party insider said there was widespread support for the Prime Minister and his leadership and decision-making abilities.

“I know Tanya has been seen late at night in Parliament House rehearsing a walk between her office and the PM’s suite while quietly muttering ‘a good government has lost its way’ but to change leaders would be a big mistake and I speak for many, many people in my party when I say Albo is the best thing that’s happened to us in a long time,” said a spokesperson for the Greens.

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