Turnbull urged to take on Abbott
Prime Minister Tony Abbott may face a new challenge to his leadership as early as next week, with despondent Liberals urging Malcolm Turnbull to step up.
_The West Australian _ believes Mr Turnbull has been told he would have majority support in the 102-strong Liberal party room in a contest with Mr Abbott.
After a backbench revolt to dump Mr Abbott - led by WA MPs Luke Simpkins and Don Randall - an attempt to spill leadership positions on February 9 was defeated 61 votes to 39.
Several ministers have since withdrawn their support from the PM after concluding that Mr Abbott cannot rehabilitate his standing with voters.
Backbenchers involved in the attempted coup 18 days ago are insisting they will not be leading the charge this time.
They want ministers to take responsibility.
"The view is that the backbench has done its bit," one said.
"There will come a point where the generals have to act."
The conservative wing of the Liberal Party will oppose Mr Turnbull's return as leader and has already canvassed Julie Bishop as a consensus candidate.
A series of leaks against Mr Abbott from within Cabinet, the Budget razor gang and from the highest echelons of the Liberal Party organisational wing has shattered hopes that the PM would be given "clear air".
Some Liberal MPs remain angry about Philip Ruddock's sacking as chief Government whip, believing it jarred with Mr Abbott's pledge to be consultative and collegiate. Liberals are divided on whether to move on Mr Abbott so soon, given he had sought assurances from colleagues to be given until June.
Mr Abbott has also bowed to complaints about the "command and control" culture within the PM's Office by giving backbenchers better access to ministers.
But the PM has refused demands that he sack his chief of staff Peta Credlin.
Those wanting Mr Abbott removed earlier argue that the next prime minister needs to recast the May 12 Budget to give the coalition a fighting chance at the next election. Removing Mr Abbott would likely see Treasurer Joe Hockey replaced by Scott Morrison.
Liberal Party Federal director Brian Loughnane would probably be replaced by John Howard's former adviser Tony Nutt, now State director of the Liberal Party's NSW branch.
NSW Liberals believe Mr Abbott has become so toxic he will damage Liberal Premier Mike Baird's campaign in the NSW election next month.
Labor strategists believe the party can win 20 seats from the Baird Government if Mr Abbott stays PM, but it would be reduced to 10 seats if he is ousted. Labor needs to win an extra 24 seats to take power in NSW.
Some of Mr Turnbull's backers believe a "clean hands strategy" is no longer tenable and that Mr Turnbull will have to openly declare his candidacy.
