With the Cabinet seat of sacked Health Minister Sussan Ley barely cold, ambitious government MPs are jockeying for promotion.

It is clear Tony Abbott thinks he is worthy of a front bench position.

On Saturday, the former Prime Minister suggested the government is in worse shape than when he was leader.

View photos Ex-PM John Howard talks with Tony Abbott, back when he had Sussan Ley's old job. Photo: 7 News More

Desperate for clear air, the Japanese Prime Minister allowed Malcolm Turnbull some breathing space as he tries to leave the expenses scandal in his wake.

“I look forward to working with all members of the House and Senate to deliver those reforms,” Mr Turnbull said.

But first the PM must rearrange members of his front bench, with Ms Ley’s resignation triggering a reshuffle.

One backbencher is highly qualified for her portfolio.





“When you’re to minister for health, what you do is important,” Tony Abbott said.

The Howard-era Health Minister released a very public job application on Saturday, citing what he claims are significant policy failures under the man who replaced him.

“…Our economic reform challenge is becoming more acute,” Mr Abbott wrote.

View photos

“It’s a pity that Malcolm Turnbull has abandoned the tax reform and federation reform white papers that had been well under way under my government.

“Although the government is in a worse position that it was 18 months ago to embark on a new round of major economic reform…”

Friday’s article is being seen as a clear, provocative challenge to Malcolm Turnbull – promote Tony Abbott and he’ll toe the line, but leave him on the backbench and it’s game on.

Seven News understands Malcolm Turnbull is sounding out senior ministers who are urging the PM not to reward his predecessor.