A Liberal frontbencher insists Sussan Ley has 'majority' support from her party room as she continues to fight questions about her future as leader.
Speculation over whether Ley would keep the top Opposition job was renewed last week when the Coalition split for the second time in nine months, after Nationals senators broke cabinet solidarity and voted against hate speech laws that had the Liberals' support.
Shortly after the split, Nationals leader David Littleproud, who now faces his own leadership spill, said he couldn't see a Coalition while Ley remained Opposition leader.
Finance spokesperson James Paterson has reiterated he "continues to support" Ley and wouldn't remain on the frontbench if he didn't.
"I can't predict what all of my colleagues may or may not do, but I can say that in my assessment, Sussan continues to enjoy the support of the majority of the party room," Paterson told ABC radio on Thursday.
The comments come amid rumours that conservatives Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor could mount a challenge to Ley's leadership.
Paterson said while he'd like to see the portfolios previously held by the Nationals filled before parliament resumed, he'd also like to "keep the door open to reforming with the National party", a sentiment also backed by Ley.
"My view is we should continue to talk with the National Party and see whether reformation of the coalition can occur," he said.
However, he said a reunion could only occur if there was an "agreed and shared understanding" of the importance of shadow cabinet solidarity.
Ley had written to Littleproud to meet with him ahead of parliament returning, but negotiations were put on hold after a shock announcement by MP Colin Boyce to launch a spill motion against the Nationals leader at a party room meeting on Monday.
Littleproud's leadership challenge looms
Boyce, who represents the Queensland electorate of Flynn, said his intention was to reunite the Coalition, which he believes cannot occur under Littleproud.
"It seems to me that under Mr Littleproud's leadership, to blow the Coalition up twice now since the last federal election, that is not a position that I want to be in," Boyce told ABC radio.
But Boyce revealed he is not canvassing support among colleagues, instead expecting them to think "long and hard about our position".
Nationals deputy leader Kevin Hogan said Littleproud has the party room's "complete support", revealing the events that lead to the break-up of the Coalition had been understood by members.
"David Littleproud has never run off and done anything unless he has had the complete support of the National party room," he told ABC radio.
Senator Bridget McKenzie joined the chorus of National members showing support. She said while Boyce is a "terrific local member", she "absolutely" backs Littleproud.
"I cannot see the spill motion getting up on Monday. Usually, you would talk to your colleagues. So no, the room and myself, we support David all the way."
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