Bishop not angling for leadership

Federal cabinet has been assured by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop she won't challenge Tony Abbott for the leadership.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott (R) and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (L) has told cabinet she won't challenge for the Liberal leadership. (AAP)

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has told Tony Abbott she won't challenge for the Liberal leadership.

Ms Bishop told a cabinet meeting in Canberra on Tuesday she had not been campaigning for the prime minister's job or ringing backbenchers to canvass support, Fairfax Media and Sky News reported.

Treasurer Joe Hockey, who briefly exited the meeting to hold a media conference about the interest rate cut, appeared to back up the reports.

"I have no doubt at all that Julie Bishop is absolutely 100 per cent supportive of the prime minister," he said.

Sky News reported Ms Bishop had issued a brief statement.

"I am not campaigning for the job of prime minister," she said in the statement.

"I am not ringing the backbench asking for support. I am not counting any numbers.

"I will not challenge the leader."


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