Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she has no recollection of calling Scott Morrison a "horrible, horrible person" who she "did not trust" in texts to another senior Liberal.
The messages, allegedly sent between Ms Berejiklian and a cabinet minister, were revealed on live television after the Prime Minister's speech at the National Press Club this afternoon.
It was put to Mr Morrison that, despite he and Ms Berejiklian claiming to have a close relationship, she had dumped on him to a Liberal colleague.
In a statement, Ms Berejiklian did not deny sending the texts, which reportedly described the PM as a "horrible, horrible person" who was "more concerned with politics than people".
It's also alleged she said that she "did not trust" Mr Morrison.
The cabinet minister allegedly replied, describing Mr Morrison as a "fraud" and a "complete psycho".
More details of the messages were aired on Channel 10's news program this afternoon.
It was reported Ms Berejiklian accused the Prime Minister in a text of "actively spreading lies" about her, to which the unnamed minister replied Mr Morrison was "desperate and jealous".
In texts allegedly sent at the height of the Black Summer bushfires, Ms Berejiklian said she was "so disappointed and gutted" by Mr Morrison's controversial trip to Hawaii.
She also allegedly claimed Mr Morrison was "obsessed with petty political point-scoring" while lives were endangered by the fires.
It was unclear if the cabinet minister was a federal or state MP.
In her statement, Ms Berejiklian said: "I understand there has been some commentary today concerning myself and the PM. I have no recollection of such messages."
"Let me reiterate my very strong support for Prime Minister Morrison and all he is doing for our nation during these very challenging times.
"I also strongly believe he is the best person to lead our nation for years to come."
When asked about the alleged texts at Tuesday's National Press Club appearance, Mr Morrison appeared surprised.
"I don't know who you're referring to," he said, in reference to the unnamed minister.
"Or the basis of what you've put to me.
"I obviously don't agree with it. And I don't think that's my record."
It came after Mr Morrison made the case for his government's re-election during a speech in the nation's capital.
Mr Morrison has often referred to Ms Berejiklian as a "good friend" and, on the night of her re-election as Premier in 2019, celebrated with a cry of "how good is Gladys Berejiklian".
Last year, Ms Berejiklian denied claims made in a media report that she had called Mr Morrison "evil" to colleagues, telling reporters "don't believe what you read".
In December, Mr Morrison made a public appeal for Ms Berejiklian to return to politics as the Liberal candidate in the federal seat of Warringah.
He also criticised the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s investigation into the former Premier.
"The way Gladys Berejiklian has been treated over these events has been shameful," he said.
Later that week, Ms Berejiklian stated she would not be running.
There have previously been moments of tension between Mr Morrison and Ms Berejiklian, at national cabinet over the management of the pandemic.
