Liberal Party federal director Brian Loughnane denies he is collateral damage from the ousting of former prime minister Tony Abbott.

Mr Loughnane told Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of his decision to resign on Wednesday.

It is expected he will be replaced by NSW state director and Liberal Party stalwart Tony Nutt.

Some Liberal MPs see Mr Loughnane's departure as the natural conclusion to the leadership spill which felled Mr Abbott.

Mr Loughnane denies the Coalition was heading for electoral defeat with Mr Abbott at the helm.

"I was very confident we were on track to win. We had a clear strategy," Mr Loughnane told the ABC.

"I think the Labor Party is not ready for Government. It hasn't addressed the reasons that led to its defeat at the last election.

"I am confident that the Coalition will win the next election."

There has been internal disquiet about the party's leadership troika, because Mr Abbott's former chief of staff Peta Credlin is married to Mr Loughnane.

"We worked together very closely for over almost six years, including the lead-up to the 2013 election," Mr Loughnane said.

"Those comments only eventuated after the election. They didn't occur before that.

"I think they were there in the good times and the bad, or the difficult, and we took it with a grain of salt."

There was also speculation that the relationship between Mr Turnbull and Mr Loughnane was strained.

"I have worked with Malcolm the whole time I have been the federal director. We have worked very closely together for 12 years," Mr Loughnane said.

"I have done four elections, which is double the number anyone else has done, Liberal or Labor, state or federal, for 30 years.

"I had indicated before the last election that I thought four elections was enough.

"With the changing leadership, it is the opportune time. We have to recalibrate our campaign planning."

Loading

In a statement to Liberal supporters, Mr Loughnane said he told Mr Abbott before the last election that the 2013 campaign would probably be his last.

"Accordingly, I have today informed the federal executive of the Liberal Party of my intention to resign as federal director by early next year," he wrote.

"This will allow time for the party to appoint a new director and an appropriate period for a handover to my successor."

He said he does not believe the constant change of leaders Australia has experienced over the last few years is unique.

"We see Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders in the US and Jeremy Corbyn in the UK and I don't think Australia should think we're immune to these trends," he said.

"Politics is becoming more fragmented and challenging.

"It is very important that good people in public office remain there and stay involved in the challenge."

Loughnane proudest of campaign that lost to Kevin '07

Mr Loughnane has been the party's federal director since February 2003.

He has led four federal election campaigns for the Coalition, winning two, essentially drawing the 2010 campaign, and losing in 2007.

In 2004, the Coalition's primary vote was lifted to nearly 47 per cent and it reached 45.6 per cent in 2013, winning its largest representation in the Lower House since former prime minister John Howard's landslide victory in 1996.

Intriguingly, Mr Loughnane said he was proudest of the 2007 campaign, because it limited the Liberals' losses and left the party in good shape to contest subsequent elections.

Born in Geelong in 1958, Mr Loughnane studied political science before working for Shell for a decade.

He was a senior adviser in the Kennett government and moved on to be chief of staff to Alexander Downer and then Mr Howard when they led the federal opposition.

His likely successor, Mr Nutt, has been overseeing Mr Turnbull's transition to Prime Minister.

A highly-respected party veteran, he has been chief of staff to Mr Howard and Victorian premier Ted Baillieu.

He is the NSW party director, and ran the campaign which saw Premier Mike Baird returned in March this year.

Prime Minister praises Loughnane's service

The Prime Minister and Liberal Party president have led tributes to the outgoing federal director.

"His campaign skills, astute political advice, efficient party management and wise counsel have been appreciated by every leader he has served, including me," Mr Turnbull said in a statement.

"Lucy and I wish Brian and his wife Peta Credlin every success in their future endeavours."

Liberal president Richard Alston said Mr Loughnane had "an invaluable 12-year stint ... in a very difficult role".

"Brian told me many months ago that he was keen to move on when the time was right. The change in parliamentary leadership provides the perfect opportunity for renewal," he said.

Mr Howard praised Mr Loughnane as a "wonderful servant" whose role over 12 years was instrumental in the Liberal Party's achievements.

"He always behaved in a professional manner, fully understanding the respective roles of the parliamentary party and the party organisation," Mr Howard said.

Nationals federal director Scott Mitchell said he was privileged to have worked alongside the "deeply committed coalitionist" who had made an outstanding contribution to conservative politics in Australia.