Prime Minister John Howard this morning refused to commit to serving out a full term as Member for Bennelong if the Coalition is defeated at the election – whenever that is.

“I don’t know,” Mr Howard told Southern Cross Broadcasting when the question came up.

“I just obviously have to give thought to my future, but I’d do the right thing by the people in my electorate.”

A number of commentators – including veteran poll watcher Malcolm Mackerras in Crikey – have suggested Bennelong voters will want to avoid a by-election. If it looks as if the Coalition will lose the poll, they will vote to throw out Howard.

The slip will do nothing to clarify the already murky timetable of the PM’s plans. You can listen to the audio here.

It will also blunt the Government’s attack on Labor leader Kevin Rudd’s slowness in endorsing Wayne Swan as treasurer in his government – and his announcement about his choice of frontbench.