Abbott vote likely next week

TONY ABBOTT appears set to hold on to the Liberal leadership, despite some backbenchers agitating for a vote next week.

But there’s a feeling among MPs the prime minister has up to nine months to turn the government’s fortunes around.

West Australian Liberal MP Dennis Jensen will seek a leadership spill at the gathering in Canberra on Tuesday, a day after parliament resumes for the year.

Some sources within the Liberals are quoting a figure of at least 30 supporters for a spill, which is not near the majority needed to pass the motion, while others say the numbers are more like 10 to 15.

Asked whether he would step aside to test his support on Tuesday, Abbott said no one wanted to return to the leadership chaos of the Labor years.

‘‘I am determined to deliver steady, stable, solid, dependable government,’’ he said.

Fireworks are expected at the partyroom meeting on Tuesday, but few in the government believe there will be a change of leader.

Polls show strong public support for former leader Malcolm Turnbull, with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop a close second.