Turnbull told he’s got numbers to take top job
FIRST ON 7: Not many thought the failed Liberal leadership spill was the end of it - and there have been clear signs of tension and disagreement this week.
7News can reveal a growing number of MPs are again agitating for change enough for a successful spill motion - many of them going to Malcolm Turnbull's office with a message, 'we'll back you if Ministers bring it on'.
A stream of backbenchers told Mr Turnbull on Thursday the numbers now favour a leadership spill, but they would not initiate another move against the blue-tie leader, that would have to come from Ministers.
Key backbenchers say their preference would be a delegation of senior Ministers telling Mr Abbott he should stand down - effecting what they call a "low impact" change.
"We've done our bit... it's now the Cabinet's turn." One said. "The temperature has increased this week," another said.
That temperature rising from a succession of damaging Cabinet leaks, and Mr Abbott's heated attacks on Human Rights Commission head Gillian Triggs.
"This inquiry by the professor, by the President of the Human Rights Commission is a political stitch up," Mr Abbott told Question Time.
Leading one backbencher to declare, "Tony has reverted to type."
Other backbenchers, including two who precipitated the first spill, say Mr Abbott should get more time.
"Certainly it's evident that the Prime Minister's heard the message and adjustments are being made," Dennis Jensen said.
Several others told 7News they had received an undertaking from Mr Abbott's supporters that: "If he doesn't turn things around by mid-year he will stand down."
Few, though, believe the renowned political fighter would give up that easily - but one did confirm the clock is ticking.
"He's been given time, ah the time that he's been given is, is he's at a test at all times," Liberal veteran Russell Broadbent said.
It won't be a free ride for Malcolm Turnbull either - 7News can reveal that Julie Bishop's supporters are now making clear that while she does not support another spill, if one is forced, this time she will stand against Mr Turnbull.
Both have shown themselves as more moderate speakers this week - Mr Turnbull on the Human Rights Commission head: "The main point is the children."
And Julie Bishop on Thursday on Mr Abbott's call for Muslim leaders to preach moderation: "In fact, more Muslim leaders are speaking out."
The challenge now for the Prime Minister is to stop his own team from speaking out.
