Bishop rejects Turnbull Abbott rant report

A reported mid-air clash between Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott in 2014 didn't happen in front of Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop insists.

Julie Bishop says she didn't witness any mid-air stoush between Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott. (AAP)

Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop insists a reported stoush between Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott didn't happen in front of her.

Mr Turnbull gave "a scathing, expletive-ridden assessment" of Mr Abbott's prime ministership in front of other cabinet ministers after a black-tie event in Sydney 14 months before Mr Abbott was dumped, News Corp reported on Monday.

"It certainly didn't happen in my presence," Ms Bishop told the Nine Network.