Senior Liberal figures have moved to shut down speculation of a leadership spill, insisting Opposition Leader Sussan Leyretains the support of most of the party room.
The comments come amid renewed media speculation about leadership ambitions from deputy Liberal leader Angus Taylor, ahead of parliament’s return this week.
Frontbencher Ted O’Brien said any senior Liberal who did not support Ley should step aside, saying he assumed Taylor continued to back her leadership.
Shadow health minister Anne Ruston also rejected suggestions of an imminent challenge, saying Ley had the confidence of the party room and should be allowed to focus on holding the government to account.
Speculation has intensified following the Coalition’s recent split, triggered by disagreements between the Liberals and Nationals over hate speech laws. Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud are expected to meet to discuss possible reunification before parliament resumes.
Senior Liberals said the party needed to move past internal manoeuvring and concentrate on presenting a united opposition to Labor.
