Taylor refuses to rule out Liberal leadership challenge

There's growing speculation Sussan Ley could face a challenge from Andrew Hastie or Angus Taylor. (Lukas Coch / Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Embattled Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is remaining defiant despite one of her senior colleagues refusing to rule out a challenge for the party's top job.

Liberal frontbencher Angus Taylor and backbencher Andrew Hastie are believed to be in the running to replace Ms Ley after a horror few weeks in and out of parliament.

Asked whether he'd make a tilt for the leadership when politicians return to Canberra next week, Mr Taylor wouldn't rule it out.

"The Liberal Party has got a lot of work to do," he told The Australian newspaper at an Australia Day event in his electorate.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley remains adamant she has the support of her party. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Further pressed on the issue, the opposition defence spokesman said he was limited in what he could say because he was a member of shadow cabinet.

"What's required is us showing to Australians that we are united and that we have a clear sense of purpose that is about addressing their challenges," Mr Taylor said.

While sources have told AAP a spill against Ms Ley is likely to be called when parliament returns in the first week of February, the opposition leader has refused to bow to the pressure.

Asked if her leadership was over, Ms Ley said "absolutely not".

"I've been elected by my party room to lead. I'm doing that, I have the confidence of my team," she told reporters in the town of Corowa on the NSW-Victoria border.

Ms Ley conceded there was a "frenzy of speculation in the media" about potential leadership challenges but insisted her team was united.

Andrew Hastie is thought to have more support among conservative Liberal MPs. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Stopped by Nine News while on a run on Sunday, Mr Hastie said he wouldn't comment on party matters.

The former SAS soldier resigned from the front bench in 2025 so he could speak more freely about what he describes as mass migration to Australia.

Liberal sources said Mr Hastie's backers believe he has a majority among the conservatives, but Mr Taylor is garnering more support from moderates concerned about his rival's brand of right-wing politics.

Ms Ley's deputy, Ted O'Brien, said he didn't believe a challenge was afoot, arguing the opposition leader had shown an "enormous amount of dignity and strength" in recent weeks.