Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull To Name More Conservative Cabinet

Canberra, Australia:

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's center-right Liberal Party lost at least 14 lawmakers in knife-edge polls on July 2, including some of Turnbull's key moderate supporters. The junior coalition partner, The Nationals, gained a lawmaker.

Turnbull said on Wednesday that the National's larger representation in his government entitled the more conservative, rural-based coalition partner to two additional seats in his cabinet.

The National's increased influence has reduced expectations that Turnbull will pursue a more progressive agenda during the government's second three-year term.

The cabinet will be announced shortly after government lawmakers meet on Monday for the first time since the election.