While he has been toeing the party line as a backbencher, the former PM reportedly continues to discuss his leadership prospects privately among colleagues. He is being encouraged by a small group of sympathetic supporters within the Liberal party, and talking almost daily with advisor and former chief of staff Peta Credlin.
News Limited estimates that Abbott doesn’t have the numbers to directly challenge Turnbull, but still has “enough to cause mischief”.
Three possible points of contention include climate change, same-sex marriage and Australia as a republic – three extremely divisive subjects on which Turnbull, still settling into his role, has been very careful. A misstep in any of these areas could encourage the more right-leaning members of the party to seek change.