Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has accused his critics of "paranoia" after being challenged for contacting independent MP Kerryn Phelps.
An unnamed Liberal source claims Mr Turnbull is "consumed by bringing down the government" after exiting the Sydney seat of Wentworth, which was won by Dr Phelps, The Australian reported on Thursday.
"Blaming others for the consequences of your own actions is a common symptom of paranoia. Imagining 'invisible' people are out to get you is also a classic symptom," Mr Turnbull tweeted in response.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison brushed off the latest episode surrounding his predecessor.
"I don't provide any commentary on that, we stay in contact," he told reporters in Canberra.
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The accusation levelled at Mr Turnbull comes amid an internal crisis within the federal Liberal Party, which fears losing government at next year's election.
A number of factors have been blamed for its recent polling woes, including the loss of Wentworth after a 19 per cent swing against the Liberals, and the party's wipe-out in the Victorian state election.
Both issues have been linked to voter dissatisfaction with the way Mr Turnbull was pushed out of office in August.
Dr Phelps says Mr Turnbull has been helping her, but only to facilitate a smooth transition at her electoral office.
"Malcolm Turnbull is the former member for Wentworth and he's been very keen to make sure that there's an orderly handover for constituents," she told Sky News on Thursday.
Labor spokesman Chris Bowen said there is no issue with such an offer of support.
"If it's true Malcolm Turnbull is being a sensible, rational, grown-up and providing some assistance to his successor, and providing a bit of a handover, I don't see anything wrong with that," he told reporters in Canberra.
