Peter Dutton has claimed reports of Liberal candidate for Bennelong Scott Yung telling voters the opposition leader “won’t be there forever” are simply rumours.

According to a report in the Australian Financial Review, Yung was heard assuring a voter in his electorate: “The leader’s not going to be there forever.”

“I know that Scott’s denied those rumours,” Dutton said today.

“What he’s telling, and what all of our candidates are telling the Australian public, is that you can’t afford three more years of Labor.”

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor also defended Dutton during an appearance on Today after being asked about Yung’s alleged “betrayal”.

He said it was the result of a “lies campaign” against Dutton.

“Let me tell you about Peter Dutton. I’ve worked with him for many years. I was a junior minister to him, he is an outstanding human being,” Taylor said.

“He is strong. That’s what he has, strength.”

Taylor then repeated that the reports were part of a “smear campaign” against Dutton and the Coalition.