A new opinion poll shows a switch to Malcolm Turnbull could put the coalition in a clear election-winning lead.
Julie Bishop could also turn around the government's fortunes, but not as effectively.
The 7News-ReachTEL poll of 3502 people taken on Thursday night put support for a Tony Abbott-led government at 45 per cent to Labor's 55 per cent.
But asked how they would vote if Mr Turnbull was prime minister instead of Mr Abbott, 54 per cent said they would support the coalition to Labor's 46 per cent.
The move would bolster the coalition's primary vote by almost 10 per cent, the poll found.
Primary support among women voters would rise 5.5 per cent.
The poll showed a change to Ms Bishop as leader would give the party a 51-49 two-party preferred lead over Labor.
Asked to choose between Ms Bishop and Mr Turnbull, 56.5 per cent of voters opted for Mr Turnbull.
The Liberal party room will vote on a leadership spill motion on Tuesday, following a backbench revolt led by West Australian MPs Luke Simpkins and Don Randall.
Mr Abbott has agreed to the motion being voted on, but insists he is the best person to lead the party to the next election.
The coalition has consistently trailed Labor since last year's controversial federal budget.
Mr Turnbull has not declared whether he would stand for the leadership should the spill motion succeed.
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