Baillieu a man of integrity: Abbott Former Victorian premier Ted Baillieu is a man of integrity, opposition leader Tony Abbott says. FEDERAL Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has congratulated Denis Napthine for being elected Victorian premier and praised outgoing leader Ted Baillieu as a man of integrity and honour. Mr Baillieu resigned as Victorian premier on Wednesday night. Mr Abbott thanked Mr Baillieu for his service to the people of Victoria. "Ted is a man of integrity and honour and I wish him well for the future," he said in a brief statement. As premier, Mr Baillieu had put Victoria's finances on a sustainable footing and made significant investments in infrastructure, Mr Abbott said. Mr Abbott also congratulated Mr Napthine on his election as leader. "I look forward to working closely with him," he said. Other politicians took to twitter to share their reactions to the news. Australian Greens MP Adam Bandt suggested the spill raised issues for Mr Abbott. Vic Libs ditch elected leader & then run a minority gov't. Presume Tony Abbott will call them illegitimate and demand election immediately," Mr Bandt tweeted. Labor backbencher Laura Smyth referenced Harry Potter. "Congrats Denis Napthine, new head boy for Slytherin House," she tweeted. Let's hope Ted's education 'plan' walks out the door with him. Foreign Minister Bob Carr was watching a Sydney University production of Julius Caesar and drew parallels in the play's storyline to that of the Victorian Liberal leadership drama. The faction gathers in home of Brutus. "We all stand against the spirit of Caesar" - of Baillieu, of Abbott?" he tweeted. Liberal backbencher Dan Tehan congratulated Mr Napthine on becoming premier. "Happy Birthday Denis, you will be an outstanding Premier," he tweeted. Labor backbencher Darren Cheeseman described Dr Napthine as the "Steven Bradbury of Victorian politics." His Labor colleague Mike Kelly asked on Twitter: "Don't you rub Napthine on wasp stings or is it for keeping moths out of your cupboard?" Comment was being sought from the prime minister's office.