Brough won't challenge but says Abbott does not have his 'unequivocal support'

Mal Brough has said the Prime Minister does not have his “unequivocal support”.

Speaking on Tuesday evening, the Federal Queensland MP criticised Prime Minister Tony Abbott on a number of issues, including Defence Force pay negotiations.

Mr Brough said he did not give his full support to Mr Abbott.

“Do I unequivocally support the Prime Minister? No I don't,” he said.

Previous reports stated that Mr Brough could challenge for the leadership, but only as a "stalking horse" for serious contenders such as Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop.

He dismissed the report on Tuesday.

“I have absolutely no intention of challenging the Prime Minister for the leadership,” he said.

Both Ms Bishop and Mr Turnbull have since spoken on the speculation, with the latter voicing support for Mr Abbott.

“The prime minister has the support of all members of his government, including me," Mr Turnbull told reporters in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Ms Bishop also ruled out challenging for the leadership, telling cabinet colleagues on Tuesday that she was “not campaigning for the job of Prime Minister”.

“I’m not counting numbers,” she said.

“I will not challenge the leader.”

Meanwhile, Liberal backbencher Dennis Jensen has called for the Prime Minister to step down from the top job amid ongoing leadership speculation.

The Western Australian MP said that Tony Abbott should step down and the leadership spilled.

Mr Jensen, who was elected in 2004, was the first Liberal MP to go on the record and call for a spill.