Costello could still lead: father-in-law

Peter Costello's father-in-law and memoirs co-author has added to speculation the former treasurer hasn't slammed the door shut on the possibility of one day leading the Liberal Party.
Peter Coleman says there's "a crack in the door" and Mr Costello has left himself
wiggle room this week regarding the leadership.
"Yes, there is a crack in the door," Mr Coleman told the Nine Network.
"I think it's fair to say that option (leading the party) is not 100 per cent closed
off."
Mr Coleman said that while the Member for Higgins remained on the backbench there
was a "lively possibility" he could return to the frontbench and take on the top
job.
"While he's in the parliament it remains a lively possibility," he said.
"I think he harbours ambition to serve the country and that's what he's doing and
that's what he'll continue to do."
While the former treasurer says he won't challenge for the Liberal leadership, he
has refused this week to say whether or not he'll stand for his seat at the next
election.
That's despite his announcement last November that he intended to quit politics.
Mr Costello also refused on Friday to categorically rule out ever becoming Liberal
leader or prime minister.
His brother says rumours about the former treasurer one day leading the Liberal
Party will only end when he quits parliament.
Tim Costello agrees that as long as his brother remains on the backbench, rumours
about his true intentions will persist.
"Whilst he continues to serve the people who elected him, the people of Higgins, and
feels he's got a job to do there, there will be speculation," he told ABC Radio.
"And it will only be more intense if the polling shows that the Liberal Party is
still struggling enormously."
Peter Costello's memoirs will be released next week.