A prominent Liberal member has affirmed that Sussan Ley retains the “majority” backing from her fellow party members, amidst ongoing scrutiny about her position as leader.

Rumors surrounding Ley’s hold on the top position within the Opposition resurfaced last week. This came after the Coalition experienced a rift for the second time in less than a year, following a pivotal vote where Nationals senators diverged from cabinet unity and opposed hate speech legislation that the Liberals endorsed.

In the wake of this division, Nationals leader David Littleproud, who himself is facing a leadership challenge, expressed doubts about the viability of maintaining a Coalition as long as Ley remains the Opposition leader.

James Paterson, the Finance spokesperson, has reaffirmed his “continued support” for Ley, emphasizing that he would not serve on the frontbench if his stance were any different.

“While I cannot foresee the actions of all my colleagues, I firmly believe that Sussan still enjoys the backing of the majority within the party room,” Paterson conveyed during an interview with 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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