Tony Abbott has accused Prime Minister Julia Gillard of ''a blatant abuse of power'' over the appointment of Australia's next governor-general, despite there being no evidence of an announcement being made before the election.

The escalation in rhetoric has fuelled suspicions within the government that Mr Abbott wants to keep the position vacant so he can appoint his old boss and mentor John Howard to the role.

'A blatant abuse of power': Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has warned Prime Minister Julia Gillard not to appoint Australia's next Governor-General before the election, fuelling suspicions within the government he wants the position for John Howard. Credit:Andrew Meares

Fairfax Media has obtained a copy of a letter from Mr Abbott to Ms Gillard written on Sunday, expressly warning against her naming a replacement for Governor-General Quentin Bryce, whose term will end in March, 2014.

Ms Bryce's five-year term has already been extended by six months to avoid any clash with the September election.