Wednesday 6 July 2022 07:36 AM Julie Bishop was dumped by her favourite male 'handbag' David Panton after ... trends now

Wednesday 6 July 2022 07:36 AM Julie Bishop was dumped by her favourite male 'handbag' David Panton after ... trends now
Wednesday 6 July 2022 07:36 AM Julie Bishop was dumped by her favourite male 'handbag' David Panton after ... trends now

Wednesday 6 July 2022 07:36 AM Julie Bishop was dumped by her favourite male 'handbag' David Panton after ... trends now

David Panton was sometimes unkindly described as Julie Bishop's handbag, as if he was just another of her expensive fashion accessories.

During Bishop's time as foreign minister the property developer was regularly photographed smiling by her side at sparkling social gatherings but barely said a word in public. 

Now it is Bishop, 65, who has so far remained silent as her boyfriend of eight years confirmed their relationship ended last Friday over one final meal.

'I'm going to be focused on living in Manly and Melbourne for the foreseeable future,' 61-year-old Panton told The Sydney Morning Herald. 

'I wish Julie all the best in her ongoing stellar career.' 

David Panton was sometimes unkindly described as Julie Bishop's handbag, as if he was another of her expensive fashion accessories or just part of the show. Panton has revealed the couple, pictured at Victoria's famed Portsea Polo in 2019, has split after eight years

David Panton was sometimes unkindly described as Julie Bishop's handbag, as if he was another of her expensive fashion accessories or just part of the show. Panton has revealed the couple, pictured at Victoria's famed Portsea Polo in 2019, has split after eight years

Then US First Lady Melania Trump assumed Panton was Australia's foreign minister when the couple attended a UN meeting in 2017, according to Bishop. Left to right: Panton, Bishop, Donald Trump and Melania Trump

Then US First Lady Melania Trump assumed Panton was Australia's foreign minister when the couple attended a UN meeting in 2017, according to Bishop. Left to right: Panton, Bishop, Donald Trump and Melania Trump

Panton was unknown when he first appeared with Bishop at the 2014 Melbourne Cup, a year after the prime minister Tony Abbott appointed her minister for foreign affairs. 

They had been introduced by Bishop's close friend and retired Liberal politician Bruce Baird and shared an interest in fitness and health.

A seemingly never-ending round of glamorous outings would follow - including repeated invitations to marquees at Flemington racecourse, opening nights and fashion shows. 

Together the couple attended AFL grand finals and Melbourne's famed Portsea Polo - where Bishop once carried a $7,350 Louis Vuitton Petite Malle handbag.

There were seats next to Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour at the Australian Open, and a prime position to watch Carlton play West Coast with then US vice-president Joe Biden at the MCG. 

Vogue editor Anna Wintour, actor Nicole Kidman, Julie Bishop, singer Keith Urban and David Panton are pictured left to right at the Australian Open in 2019

Vogue editor Anna Wintour, actor Nicole Kidman, Julie Bishop, singer Keith Urban and David Panton are pictured left to right at the Australian Open in 2019

David Panton is pictured left with Julie Bishop and then US vice-president Joe Biden at an AFL game between Carlton and West Coast at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2016

David Panton is pictured left with Julie Bishop and then US vice-president Joe Biden at an AFL game between Carlton and West Coast at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2016

Panton even sat next to Bishop at meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in front of some of the world's most powerful leaders in 2015. 

The pair spent the last night of that year at Melbourne's Crown casino where they were photographed with James Packer before the billionaire's then girlfriend Mariah Carey performed. 

Two years later then US First Lady Melania Trump assumed Panton was Australia's foreign minister when the couple attended another UN meeting, according to Bishop. 

For most of their relationship Bishop lived in Perth, where she worked as a lawyer before entering parliament, while Panton stayed on Sydney's northern beaches. 

She never nominated him as her official 'partner', which would mean disclosing his financial interests on the parliamentary register as is required for MPs' spouses and those with whom they are in de facto relationships.

Panton was, however, Bishop's 'nominated person' entitled to taxpayer-funded domestic travel when he accompanied her on intrastate and interstate trips. 

Panton even sat next to Bishop at meeting of the UN General Assembly in front of some of the world's most powerful leaders in 2015. Panton and Bishop and pictured at that meeting

Panton even sat next to Bishop at meeting of the UN General Assembly in front of some of the world's most powerful leaders in 2015. Panton and Bishop and pictured at that meeting

The pair had been together just a week ago at St James's Palace in London, having dinner with Prince Charles for an event honouring his charity

The pair had been together just a week ago at St James's Palace in London, having dinner with Prince Charles for an event honouring his charity

In 2018 it was reported Bishop had claimed $32,000 in travel for Panton over the previous three years. 

Panton, originally from Melbourne, had run a vineyard with ex-wife Karen and owned a pharmacy business before moving into property development when he moved to Sydney in 2014.

Bishop was married to another property developer, Neil Gillon, from 1983 to 1988 and dated former Lord Mayor Perth Peter Nattrass for at least 12 years. 

She once told The Sydney Morning Herald what it was she found so attractive about Panton. 'I think that's self-evident - have you seen him?' she asked.

'He's a swimmer, I'm a runner. He's a very independent-minded and successful businessman, and he has a delightful sense of humour. He makes me laugh.'

Bishop and Paton spent New Year's Eve 2015 at  Melbourne's Crown casino where they were photographed with James Packer before the billionaire's then girlfriend Mariah Carey performed. Bishop, Panton and Packer are pictured

Bishop and Paton spent New Year's Eve 2015 at  Melbourne's Crown casino where they were photographed with James Packer before the billionaire's then girlfriend Mariah Carey performed. Bishop, Panton and Packer are pictured

Bishop also

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