Coalition MP Alex Somlyay has turned down an offer from the Government to become deputy speaker and pair his vote with Labor Speaker Harry Jenkins.

His refusal is a blow for the Government, which is trying to preserve its two-seat majority in the Parliament.

In a statement released this afternoon, Mr Somlyay confirmed he had been approached by Labor to stand as its nominee for the position of deputy speaker on the basis that he would support the Government on no confidence motions and supply bills.

He says he has refused the offer but will contest the nomination for the position in the Coalition party room on Monday.

"I have been a proud member of the Liberal Party Room for 21 years and my commitment to serve the Liberal-National Party remains strong," he said.

"I support the Coalition's decision to reject any pairing arrangements for the speaker and deputy speaker positions."

It was thought the Government was close to clinching a deal with Mr Somlyay that would have seen him agree to pair his vote with Speaker Mr Jenkins, who is not allowed to vote.

Leader of the House Anthony Albanese has confirmed Mr Jenkins will remain as Speaker and says he has been in talks with several MPs over the deputy speaker's role.

"It is fair to say there is a great deal of anger within Coalition ranks about the actions of Tony Abbott," he said.

"There are many people in the Coalition who are honourable people, who believe that when you give your word...you should stick to it.

"He doesn't want to play a constructive role in the Parliament. Tony Abbott has shown he is determined to be a wrecker."

Before Labor secured support from crossbench MPs to form minority government, the major parties agreed to parliamentary reforms which included pairing the speaker with an Opposition MP.

But Mr Abbott yesterday walked away from the agreement, arguing it was unconstitutional.

The issue needs to be resolved in the coming days with the Parliament to sit on Tuesday.