FORMER prime minister John Howard is disappointed for Liberal colleagues who have lost their seat in parliament.
"It looks as though a number of people I know very well have lost and I grieve for them," he said.
Mr Howard cited the defeat of Tasmanian MP Andrew Nikolic - member for Bass and a former army brigadier. He also lamented the loss of South Australian Jamie Briggs in   Mayo and Karen McNamara on the NSW Central Coast.
Mr Howard said he would leave it up to Mr Turnbull to discuss the overall outcome."He fought a very strong, clear campaign and I congratulate him for that," he said.