Senior Liberal figure Arthur Sinodinos is playing down a looming battle inside the party following an election that could cost the coalition majority government.
Outspoken conservative senator Cory Bernardi has taken aim at those he sees responsible for damaging the Liberal brand.
The disappointing result was a product of a contempt shown for the conservative base that had been the building block and foundation of the party, he said.
"We had our chief pollster say conservatives don't matter, we've had a leader say Pauline Hanson isn't welcome in our parliament, which is a direct insult to all those who may share her concerns."
Senator Sinodinos said it was natural for people to come out after an election and say "all sorts of things".
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"Everybody will be given the opportunity," he told ABC radio.
The cabinet secretary insisted Malcolm Turnbull was a leader prepared to straddle the conservative and liberal strands of the party.
"The important thing to remember here is that the base of the Liberal Party is quite diverse - it's not owned by any one branch or section."
Senator Bernardi said the warning signs had been "very, very clear for a very long time".
"Unlike times past these mistakes are so grievous that we need to hold some people to account for them."
Asked if he was specifically talking about Mr Turnbull, the senator said: "Who those people are will be a matter for their conscience and for the Liberal party room."
Jamie Briggs, who lost the Adelaide Hills seat of Mayo to the Nick Xenophon Team on Saturday, backed Mr Turnbull despite the prime minister dumping him from the ministry in December.
"I do think Malcolm has got the capacity to be an incredible prime minister," he told The Australian.
However, the defeated MP is concerned about the uncertainty caused by the rise of minor parties and the prospect of another hung parliament.
"In that sense, I am very fearful about where politics is going."
Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek predicts a period of a disunity and dysfunction inside the Liberal Party.
"I don't think anybody can say who will be leading the Liberal Party in a month's time," she told ABC radio.
