Newshub pointed out to Bridges on Tuesday that he had been personally eviscerated in the comments on the Facebook post, and he brushed off the criticism, saying: "People are entitled to their views."

The problem is, some of his caucus share the dim view. Here is a sample of what some told Newshub - all different MPs.

"List MPs and marginal seats want to get the party vote up but they can't do that with a toxic leader and toxic deputy"

There is "deep concern about the way things are going"

The "membership is not happy"

There was a "tone issue" with the Facebook post

"The timing could've been better"

This time, Bridges' loyal deputy Paula Bennett has been pulled into the fray. She told Newshub people may have confused the fact she has a chicken coop with rumours she's staging the coup.

Bennett says it is utterly outrageous.

Bridges told The AM Show: "I talk with Paula probably three or four times a day. There's simply nothing in any of this."

National MP Mark Mitchell has contested the leadership before, but he has also rubbished talk of a rematch. Bridges described Mitchell as "a great friend and colleague" and someone he talks to "probably every day".

Things had simmered down for Bridges after he stared down disgruntled National MPs last April. But unrest in caucus bubbled up again with his very political response to the Government's COVID-19 support package announced in March, when he had a crack at beneficiaries being "baked in".

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shot back at the time, saying: "We need unity, not politics as usual, and today, Mr Bridges, is one of those days."

Today, however, the Prime Minister refused to engage: "You'll forgive me for being utterly focused on the Government's response to COVID-19."

Analysis by Political Editor Tova O'Brien

Is a leadership challenge imminent?

There's a caucus meeting next Tuesday and leadership will inevitably come up. There's chatter but it has not reached peak coup just yet.

There are two schools of thought emerging among MPs:

Get behind Bridges, even if you don't rate him, because to roll the leader during a crisis like COVID-19, and so close to an election, would be politi-cide. Get him out - and quick - and reinstate stability with new leadership when it's needed most.

But, boy, is Bridges in an invidious position. His job is holding the Government to account and that's what he was trying to do with the Facebook post.

Emotions are heightened right now, but the level of hate he got also speaks to his inability to resonate with voters.