The return of the prodigal son? Why speculation is rising over Josh Frydenberg’s future

Key points

• Speculation is growing that former treasurer Josh Frydenberg may seek a return to federal parliament, after he declined to rule it out during a media tour promoting his book, A Grateful Son. Some commentators see him as a possible asset for a Coalition struggling in the polls, with a record-low primary vote and pressure from both the right and the teal independents.
• Others question whether he would offer a real solution to those problems, or whether he would accept a backbench or frontbench role under Angus Taylor.
• Frydenberg privately reportedly tells people he is unlikely to return.