In an interview with conservative radio host Alan Jones on Tuesday, Mr Abbott described the leak as just "one of those things". Former prime minister Tony Abbott could command more than $40,000 per international speaking engagement. Credit:Andrew Meares During the interview, a passionate and supportive Jones urged Mr Abbott to be more like "Mr Whippy" and "ring his own bell" to tell people what he is selling. In the two emails, the Liberal Party's honorary Treasurer Phil Higginson threatens to quit his unpaid position "as a result of my concern with the direction the party is heading". "Conflict of interest is a serious problem between the federal secretariat and the [Prime Minister's office] and I find the situation if it weren't so serious almost amusing," he wrote.

"How this party ever let a husband and wife team into those two key roles where collegiate competitive tension is mandatory and private consultations between colleagues to see that each side is served well, is a complete mystery." Broadcaster Alan Jones. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen An upbeat Mr Abbott dismissed it as a "storm in a teacup" and denied there was any "conflict of interest" because Ms Credlin and Mr Loughnane had been in their jobs for a decade. "So if this is a problem it's been a problem for ten years, in fact it is no problem, it is no problem," he said. "If Peta Credlin was able to be deputy chief of staff to Malcolm Turnbull when Brian Loughnane was federal director, there was no problem then and there is no problem now," Mr Abbott said.

Earlier Mr Abbott appeared on Nine's Today program and said he was aware of "some people in this business of politics who would rather pursue their own ambitions than the national interest". However, the Prime Minister said, he was focused on "getting on with government". "You know what it is like to be young and vigorous and at the height of your powers?" he said. "That is exactly how I feel." Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop described the Credlin-Loughnane team as a "professional", "formidable pair" who nearly led the Coalition to victory in 2010 but noted some want to blame them for the government's state of affairs. "Now obviously things are in a challenging situation at present and so it seems that people are pointing the finger at those who in the past were being lauded for their efforts," Ms Bishop told the ABC.

Ms Bishop said the appropriate forum to discuss Mr Higginson's concerns is with the federal executive which is due to meet in coming weeks. Ms Bishop said she was unaware up to seven ministers have privately declared they are ready to move on Mr Abbott. "I am not aware of that, they certainly haven't spoken to me," Ms Bishop said. Mr Abbott said he stood by his team including cabinet. Loading Follow us on Twitter