While some vociferous detractors have already written him off as the next Liberal leader, the no-nonsense Queenslander might become Anthony Albanese’ worst nightmare.
While Dutton is from the party’s right, and critics argue that the Liberals must shift left to reclaim the political center ground, he is popular among many Liberal moderates due to his pragmatism and electoral success.
Party sources claim Dutton is rejuvenated and ready to lead, despite the fact that shell-shocked MPs are fleeing the leadership.
The natural successor to Scott Morrison was treasurer Josh Frydenberg, but he was unexpectedly dumped from his Melbourne seat of Kooyong by Monique Ryan.
However, Mr Dutton was also considered a lock to replace Malcolm Turnbull when he was ousted as prime minister on August 24, 2018, only for Mr Morrison to emerge.
Mr Dutton has long had his critics, many basing their criticism for the most superficial reason – his looks.
His shaved head, heavy features and height combine to create what some consider an imposing and at times intimidating combination.
And the critics say he represents a brand of conservatism that turned off many voters in the former Liberal heartland of wealthy suburbs, with many female voters in particular instead turning to ‘teal’ independents.
WA Premier Mark McGowan issued an extraordinary putdown of Mr Dutton on Monday, saying he was too conservative, too extreme, too argumentative and simply not bright.
But others believe the Liberals best hope is to fully embrace conservatism in line with Mr Dutton’s vision, to create starker points of difference with Labor.
Tony Abbott’s former chief of staff Peta Credlin was among those making that case, urging the party to forego the trendy rich voters indulging their climate change preoccupations, and go for the suburban battlers, the mortgage belt, the blue-collar workers, as a path back to government.
Mr Dutton’s remarkable hold on the perennial marginal seat of Dickson has shown his effectiveness as a campaigner and understanding the issues that count, and that record of success is among many reasons he is likely to be elected unopposed as the replacement for Mr Morrison.
Outgoing trade minister Dan Tehan, home affairs minister Karen Andrews, and finance minister Simon Birmingham had all been tipped as potential challengers to lead the party in a new direction but in reality they are likely only contenders for deputy.
The field for the deputy leader position is expected to be extremely competitive with up to half a dozen candidates.
In addition to Mr Tehan, Ms Andrews, and Mr Birmingham are Tasmanian MP Bridget Archer, outgoing social services minister Anne Ruston, superannuation minister Jane Hume, attorney-general Michaelia Cash, and environment minister Sussan Ley are all possibilities.
Outgoing foreign minister Marise Payne is rumoured to be considering retirement after serving in the Senate since 1997.
A special party meeting to select new leadership could be held this week, but with the Liberal licking their wounds and assessing what went wrong on Saturday, there is little reason to rush.
More likely it will be held in the days before the next sitting of Parliament, which is scheduled for June 6 but will change at new PM Anthony Albanese’s direction.