Former foreign minister Alexander Downer has described colleague Nick Minchin's belief that he would retire before the year's end as presumptuous.
Another, Joe Hockey, has had to hose down claims he had been urged to go by shadow treasurer Malcolm Turnbull.
In turn Mr Turnbull now has to sell the idea of a fuel excise-cut after a leaked email exposed he originally opposed the policy.
For the time being he is backed by Brendan Nelson who said Mr Turnbull "is doing a very very effective job."
Mr Hockey was speaking after the Liberal Party leader's latest setback - a leaked email from opposition treasury spokesman Malcolm Turnbull criticising Dr Nelson's new fuel excise policy.
Asked if he would like to lead his party in the long term, Mr Hockey did not rule out the possibility, saying he would heed the call if the party room called on him.
"I went into politics, I've always gone into politics, to serve others. That's what drives me each day," he told Fairfax.
"Even at your lowest personal moment, if you don't believe you're doing it for others, then get out.
"And I'm in the service of others and I don't determine these things, party rooms determine them.
"But let me tell you, Brendan Nelson and (Deputy Opposition Leader) Julie Bishop and Malcolm Turnbull have my very strong unqualified support."
Mr Hockey declined to say whether Dr Nelson would be the opposition's long-term leader, saying only that he was the leader now.
"Brendan Nelson is the leader of the Liberal Party. He was elected by the majority of the party room. I strongly support Brendan Nelson," he said.
"I tell you what, in some of my darkest moments in politics, people have said to me: `Diamonds are forged under pressure'. And in this sort of situation Brendan Nelson is having huge pressure applied to him as a new leader of the opposition and I think he's coming out stronger."
He said Dr Nelson had often been underestimated.
"Australians like a really gutsy, determined person to lead a political party. They're not interested in spin.
"I think Kevin Rudd has got a lot of spin. I think he's promising things and not delivering."
All this comes as public opinion polls show Dr Nelson slightly gaining ground as preferred Prime Minister.
However he is still well and truly behind Kevin Rudd, who says he is not disturbed by mixed polling in response to the budget.