Pressure is mounting to remove the Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy from his portfolio amid heightened divisions in the Labor Party.

Now-backbencher Joel Fitzgibbon told Deborah Knight he believes Mark Butler should step down from his role as Labor’s climate spokesperson, “but that’s a matter for Albo”.

“I say that without any disrespect: he’s been our salesperson in the area for the last seven years.

“It hasn’t turned out very well for us, and I think we need a fresh face.”

Energy Minister Angus Taylor commended the Opposition MP for standing up against “a degree of ideological zealotry” in his party.

“This is a very, very important debate.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview