Morrison defends Sussan Ley in Farrer as backlash grows over Murray-Darling plan

Prime minister praises Liberal MP and expresses caution about ripping up the basin plan

Scott Morrison has swung to the defence of Liberal MP Sussan Ley, who is under pressure in the regional seat of Farrer despite holding it with a 20% margin, but says unravelling the Murray-Darling Basin plan would carry "significant consequences".

Morrison campaigned in Farrer on Tuesday, despite its nominal safe-seat status, and was egged by a protestor in Albury. At his press conference on the hustings in the neighbouring seat of Indi - a seat the government is hopeful of taking back from an independent after the retirement of Cathy McGowan - the Liberal leader was at pains to praise Ley as "one of the most articulate and passionate spokespeople for rural and regional life in this country".