"I like him," he said. "I have a personal rapport with him." Senator David Leyonhjelm. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Senator Leyonhjelm - a vocal advocate of same-sex marriage - also said that there was a strong crossover in the two men's views on social and economic issues. The Liberal Democrat was critical of the way the current leadership team dealt with the crossbench, saying it was "largely transactional". "Malcolm is more of a relationship-type person," he said.

Queensland's Senator Lazarus took to Twitter, posting, "I get on well with Malcolm! He's got my vote". Independent Jacqui Lambie, who has previously called Mr Abbott a "political psychopath", also posted her support for Mr Turnbull on Facebook. "Good luck Prime Minister Turnbull ... don't forget my beautiful Tasmania in your first budget," she said. Family First's Bob Day said that it was too early too provide a comment, but he has previously noted that he would work with whoever was prime minister. Motoring Enthusiast Ricky Muir said the most important thing for Australians was "a stable and focused government".

"I would like to see less captain's calls, divisive policy and political stunts on all sides," he said. "I cannot say that a change of leadership will be an improvement; however let's hope that the government uses this as an opportunity to reset their policy agenda where we can find more common ground to work together." The Senate crossbench has proved to be a key stumbling block for the Abbott government - refusing to pass high profile measures such as the six-month and one-month waits for the dole, as well as pension reforms, higher education reforms and the abolition of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. Relations between the government and the crossbench were also damaged when Mr Abbott described them as "feral". Independent Nick Xenophon said he had "cordial working relationships" with both Mr Turnbull and Mr Abbott.

"That won't change." Senator Xenophon stressed that when it came to dealing with leaders, "it's about the policy". Loading Senator John Madigan was also contacted for comment. Follow us on Twitter